Temperature Versus Time Graph for a Hot Object

Basic Theory Behind the Experiment

When something hot is left alone, it starts to lose its heat to the cooler surroundings. This is called heat transfer. We’ll use a thermometer to measure the temperature of our hot object (let’s say a cup of hot water) at regular intervals.

As time goes on, the hot water gives away its heat, and the temperature drops. The rate at which it cools depends on the difference in temperature between the water and its surroundings. This cooling process follows a pattern. At first, the temperature drops quickly, but as time goes on, the rate of cooling slows down.

Things You’ll Need

A hot object (could be a liquid)
A thermometer
A timer or clock
Insulation material (like Styrofoam)
Graph paper

Procedure

Add the hot liquid to a calorimeter and place it in the insulating material to minimize heat loss.
Measure the initial temperature of the hot liquid using the thermometer.
Record the initial temperature and start the timer.
At regular intervals, note down the temperature of the hot object.
Plot the recorded temperatures on a graph with time on the horizontal axis and temperature on the vertical axis.

Observations

As time passes, you’ll notice the hot object’s temperature decreasing. The graph might show a downward curve, indicating cooling. Eventually, the object will reach thermal equilibrium with the surroundings.