Science Report

Essay by lel12Junior High, 8th gradeB+, February 2014

download word file, 4 pages 0.0

The most effective insulation

Introduction:

Insulators and conductors are usually something that can commonly be found in houses. This information can help Fred determine which is the best insulator. Insulators are materials or an object that does not allow heat, electricity, light, or sound to easily pass through. Feathers and wool make good thermal insulators and air, cloth and rubber make good electrical insulators (science.yourdictionary.com, 2010). Conductors are the opposite of insulators, they have the ability to transfer charge/heat from one place to another (thebigger.com). Insulation works by slowing down the transfer of heat, which usually moves in the three ways of conduction, convection and radiation (drenergysaver.com).

Examples of good insulators are; cotton, foam, paper, polystyrene, wood and etc. (cocoonyourhome.com, 2007). Since air doesn't easily allow heat or cold to pass through it and because cotton has lots of air bubbles it makes it a good insulator (Yahoo Answers, 2007). Foam has lots of air pockets to trap the heat (Yahoo Answers, 2006). Paper doesn't allow heat or cold air to pass through (Yahoo Answers, 2012). Wool is an effective insulator as it can absorb moisture and still remain a superior insulator.

It also has a naturally long lifespan and is safe to the environment and living creatures. Wood is a good insulator as it doesn't let heat transfer through and it does not melt (Wiki Answers).

Insulation is a great way for saving money as it reduces your energy bills; it helps make your house a more comfortable place by maintaining the right temperature. During winter it makes the walls, ceilings, and floor warmer, and throughout summer it keeps the house cooler (André O. Desjarlais, 2008).

Within Australia insulation has minimum building standards (Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, 2012). Up to 40% of...