How Surface Area to Volume Ratio Affects the Rate of Heat Loss :: Depression and Suicide

How Surface Area to Volume Ratio Affects the Rate of Heat Loss Aim The aim of this investigation is to answer the following questions: Why do elephants have trouble cooling down? And why do mice have trouble keeping warm. Apparatus 5x cans (5 different sizes) 1x Bunsen burner 1x heatproof mat 1x Thermometer 1x Ruler 1x Kettle 1x Stopwatch 1x Tripod 1x Gauze 1x Clamp and stand Plan ==== * Label each can from A to E in ascending order, A the biggest and E the smallest. A representing the mouse and E representing the elephant. * Measure and record the height and diameter of each can. * Fill can A to the top with boiling water out of the kettle. * Bring the water back up to a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius, to make sure it is a fair test and that all the cans start from 100 degrees Celsius. * Use a clamp and stand to hold the thermometer inside the can, position it so that the bulb of the thermometer is in the centre of the can. * With a stopwatch ready to start timing, switch off the gas to turn off the Bunsen burner and start timing. * Read and record the temperature on the thermometer every two minutes for twenty minutes. * Repeat this for all of the other cans, twice for each one and make a recording of all the temperatures, and work out the averages. Safety ====== * Always wear safety glasses during the practical to protect the eyes and avoid any hot water being splashed into them.