The temperature decrease of hot water in a container, after a fixed period of time, depends upon the starting temperature of the water
Equipment
- Beaker
- Thermometer
- Electric Kettle
- Stopwatch
Method
Pour hot water from the kettle into the beaker and record the starting temperature. Leave the beaker for 5 minutes and record the temperature it has cooled to. Repeat the experiment with 5 other starting temperature of water.
Variables
Independent - starting temperature of water
Dependent - final temperature of water
Control - volume of water, size and shape of beaker, room temperature
Risk Assessment
This is a low risk assessment but you must take care handling hot water from the kettle to avoid burns and scalds.