Physics Projjj
Physics Projjj
TOPIC:COLOUR
VS
HEAT ABSORPTION
AIM
MATERIAL REQUIRED
THEORY
PROCEDURE
OBSERVATION TABLE
PRECAUTIONS
SOURCES OF ERROR
CONCLUSION
Aim:
To investigate how different colors of crayon wax affect the rate of heat absorption.
Apparatus Required:
1. Different colored crayons (e.g., black, white, red, blue, yellow, etc.)
2. Thermometers (or temperature sensors) to measure the temperature of each
crayon.
3. Hot plate or a heat source (e.g., a hairdryer or lamp) to melt the crayons.
4. Timer or stopwatch to measure the time intervals.
5. Insulated base (e.g., a wooden or ceramic plate) to place the crayons on.
6. Ruler or measuring tape (optional, to ensure uniform size of crayons).
7. Cloth or paper towels for handling the crayons safely after heating.
Theory:
The absorption of heat is influenced by the color of the material. Dark colors, such as
black, absorb more light and heat energy, while light colors, such as white, reflect
more light and heat. This difference occurs because darker colors absorb more
wavelengths of visible light and convert that energy into heat, whereas lighter colors
reflect more of the light, absorbing less heat.
o Gather a set of crayons in different colors (e.g., black, red, yellow, white,
blue).
o Ensure all the crayons are the same size and shape for uniformity. If
necessary, trim them to similar lengths.
o Place the crayons on the surface, spaced equally apart, ensuring each
crayon has an equal distance from the heat source. This ensures they are
heated uniformly.
o Begin heating the crayons and record the initial temperature of each
crayon (room temperature).
o Start the stopwatch as soon as the heat source is turned on.
o Observe and measure the temperature of each crayon at regular intervals
(e.g., every 2 minutes) for a set duration (e.g., 15-20 minutes).
o Record the temperature change for each color.
o Watch for the temperature increase and the crayon's melting point. The
dark-colored crayons are expected to heat up faster and may start to
melt before the lighter-colored crayons.
End the experiment:
Observations:
SOURCES OF ERROR
1. Inconsistent heat source: If the hot plate or hairdryer is not kept at a constant
temperature, it may cause variations in the results.
2. Uneven placement of crayons: If the crayons are not placed at equal distances
from the heat source, they might not receive the same amount of heat.
3. Thermometer inaccuracies: If the thermometers are not calibrated properly, the
temperature readings might be incorrect.
4. Crayon quality differences: The exact composition of the crayons (e.g., wax,
pigments) may vary slightly between colors, affecting how they absorb and
conduct heat.
Precautions:
1. Maintain consistent distance from the heat source: Ensure all crayons are
placed at an equal distance from the heat source to ensure uniform heating.
2. Handle with care: Crayons may become hot and should be handled with care.
Use gloves or tongs to avoid burns.
3. Monitor temperature carefully: Regularly check the temperature of each crayon
and avoid overheating the crayons beyond their melting point.
4. Ensure safety: If using a hot plate or any other heat source, make sure to work in
a well-ventilated area and avoid any risk of fire.
Conclusion:
From the experiment, we expect that the dark-colored crayons (such as black and
blue) will absorb more heat, showing a higher temperature increase and likely melting
faster compared to the light-colored crayons (such as white and yellow). This
experiment demonstrates the fundamental principle that dark colors absorb more light
and heat, whereas lighter colors reflect more light and heat, staying cooler.