Air is very “thin” in the upper atmosphere. As the rocket gets nearer to the Earth, the air becomes “thicker” and “rubs” against the outside of the spacecraft. This friction generates heat. The heat generated could cause the spacecraft to burn up or heat to such a temperature that the occupants could be killed.
Your task:
You will be given 3 different types of material (wood, ceramic tile, metal, rubber, plastic etc.). Design and carry out an experiment to determine which material would be the best insulator or worst conductor of heat.
Which of these materials would be the best to keep the inside of the spacecraft cool? Remember – friction can cause a lot more heat, and ignitions temperatures are important. (Ignition temperature is the temperature at which the substance starts to burn).
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