Introduction

Here we will determine which material is the most optimum solar energy collector among rubber, aluminium, and copper. We choose to perform this experiment using renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind energy instead of non-renewable sources of energy such as coal, gas, and oil reserves.

Aim

To determine which material proved to be the optimum solar energy collector among rubber, copper, and aluminium.

Theory

1. Our hypothesis is that copper is the most efficient source of heat collectors.

2. The device which is being designed to collect heat by absorbing sunlight is termed a solar thermal collector.

Requirements

1. Copper

2. Aluminium

3. Rubber

4. A shallow box with a removable transparent lid

5. Styrofoam

6. Sensitive Thermometer

7. Notebook

Procedure

Step 1:Use three building materials (copper, aluminium, rubber) as the variable of this experiment.

Step 2: Build a collector, which is a shallow box with a removable transparent lid.

Step 3: Using styrofoam, insulate the collector.

Step 4: Use a sensitive thermometer to record the inside temperature of the collector and the ambient air.

Step 5: Research the conduction level of each material.

Step 6: Every five minutes until thirty minutes, measure the temperature inside the collector, with each material, three times.

Step 7: After measuring all three variables, one cycle is completed.

Step 8: Repeat this cycle four times and note the temperature and weather each time.

Step 9: Compare the obtained result with our hypothesis.

Observation

1. This experiment partly supported our hypothesis.

2. Copper did not attain the highest temperature but proved our hypothesis to be the best source of heat collector.

3. To improve the result, we could use a more accurate thermometer with a larger range.

Result

1. Aluminium had a high temperature, but copper was a better conductor.

2. Copper did not get affected because of temperature and weather.

3. On the other hand, aluminium was unpredictable as it depended on the temperature and weather.

4. Rubber collected heat and kept it for a longer period.

Precaution

1. For better results, use three different collectors.

2. Use a thermometer with a larger range.

3. Record your observation carefully.

Conclusion

We have determined which material among copper, rubber, and aluminium will prove to be the most optimum solar energy collector.

VIVA Questions With Answers

Q.1 What was the aim of your experiment?

ANS. To determine which material proved to be the optimum heat collector among rubber, copper, and aluminium.

Q.2 Which material proved to be a better conductor of heat?

ANS. Copper was the better conductor among aluminium and rubber.

Q.3 How did the Aluminium perform in the experiment?

ANS. Aluminium had a high temperature but was unpredictable as it changed according to the temperature and weather.

Q.4 How did the rubber perform in the experiment?

ANS. Rubber collected heat and kept it for a longer period of time.

Saquib Siddiqui

Saquib Siddiqui is a Mechanical Engineer and a content creator. He has special interest in science experiments and teaches the same to school and college students. He is also a technical lead at RUDE LABS PVT. LTD.