IQ1) How is Heat Transferred?
1.1) The Particle Model of Matter
1.2) Heat Transfer by Conduction
1.3) Heat Transfer by Convection
1.4) Extension - Design and test an Efficient Heat Sink
Heat Sinks are VITAL devices used in MOST electronic devices. A heat sink is a metallic part used to transfer heat from a component of an electronic device to the surroundings in order to prevent the component from overheating.
Heat is transferred by conduction from the device to the heat sink. Heat is also transferred by convection from the heat sink to the surrounding fluid (usually air). Heatsinks increase the contact surface area between the device and the surrounding air, thereby increasing the opportunity to dissipate heat. This is why most heat sinks have fins separated by a distance. The fins increase or maximise the surface area of a heat sink so that more heat can be dissipated. This activity will require students to work in groups of two or three to design and construct an efficient heat sink and then test it in class to determine which group has constructed the most efficient heat sink. Use the steps below to work through this activity. |
|
1) Monday 10th February - Complete your research to understand exactly what a heat sink is used for and have a list of the properties that make a good heat sink (at least two)
2) Design and build your own heat sink at home OR use the school's equipment which consists of: a) aluminium foil b) Steel electrode c) Copper electrode d) Carbon electrode e) Aluminium electrode 3) Monday 17th February - Bring in your heat sink to school with a single A4 sheet that shows the construction of your heat sink and an explanation of how it's design will reduce the temperature of the heated copper. 4) Monday 17th February - Test how well your heat sink can conduct heat away from a heated piece of copper. An infrared thermometer will be used to measure the temperature of the copper. The Most Efficient Heat Sink will be the one that reduces the temperature of the copper to the lowest value over a specified time. 5) Tuesday 18th February - Complete the following components of a scientific report for class discussion a) aim b) hypothesis c) Materials list d) Risk assessment e) Method f) Results |