Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter

Thermal Conductivity [Link]

Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

Secondary 1 Topic
Exploring diversity of matter by its physical properties

This science revision note aims to help your child understand what
physical properties are.

Learning outcomes:
• Understand what physical properties are.

Physical Properties Definition

• The flexibility of a material is

its ability to bend without
breaking; and return to its
Flexibility original size and shape after
bending.

• The hardness of a material is

Hardness its ability to withstand scratches

• The melting point of a material

is the temperature at which it
Melting point changes in state from a solid to a
liquid.

-1-
Copyright © of [Link]
 Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter
Thermal Conductivity [Link]
Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

• The boiling point of a material

is the temperature at which it
Boiling point changes in state from a liquid to
a gas.

• The strength of a material is its

ability to support a heavy load
Strength without breaking or tearing

• The electrical conductivity of a

material is a measure of how
Electrical conductivity readily electricity passes through
it.

• The thermal conductivity or

heat conductivity of a material is
Thermal conductivity a measure of how readily heat
passes through it.

-2-
Copyright © of [Link]
 Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter
Thermal Conductivity [Link]
Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

2. Identifying the difference between heat conductors and heat

insulators.

Heat conductors Heat insulators

Definition:
Definition:
Materials that do not allow heat
Materials that allow heat to pass to pass through them easily
through them easily (Poor heat conductors)

Example: Example:

• Rubber and Styrofoam are

• Metals are good heat
heat insulators.
conductors.

Thermal conductivity experiment:

[Link]

-3-
Copyright © of [Link]
 Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter
Thermal Conductivity [Link]
Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

Question
A picture of a kettle is shown below.

Handle

Kettle

(a) Suggest a suitable material for the handle and give a reason for
your choice. [1]

(b) Suggest a suitable material for the body of the kettle and give a
reason for your choice. [1]

-4-
Copyright © of [Link]
 Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter
Thermal Conductivity [Link]
Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

STEP 1: Recall

What physical property is this question looking for?

– The physical property is this question is testing for is thermal

conductivity.

STEP 2: Identify the function of the handle and body of the kettle

– Handle: used for lifting and holding the kettle when it's hot, so it
needs to be heat-resistant and easy to grip.

– Body of the kettle: responsible for containing and heating the

water. It needs to be a good conductor of heat and should be
durable.

-5-
Copyright © of [Link]
 Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter
Thermal Conductivity [Link]
Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

STEP 3: Piecing your answer together.

Answers
(a) Rubber / Plastic. It is a good insulator of heat / poor thermal
conductor and will not transfer heat from the hot kettle to the user’s
hand quickly, hence allowing the user to hold onto the kettle without
getting burnt.

(b) Steel. It is a good conductor of heat/ good thermal conductor and

allow heat to pass through them easily. This allows the contents in
the kettle to gain heat faster and heat up quickly, ensuring efficient
boiling.

-6-
Copyright © of [Link]
 Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter
Thermal Conductivity [Link]
Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

Common mistakes:

Wrong answers: Steel is chosen as the body of the kettle because it is

a good conductor of electricity…

Teachers’ comments: Take note that this question is testing for

thermal conductivity, not electrical conductivity.

Some students think that if a material is a good conductor of electricity,

it must also be a good conductor of heat, and vice versa.

This is not true. While many metals / materials are good electrical and
thermal conductors (e.g., copper and silver), there are exceptions.

For example, diamond is an excellent thermal conductor (Diamond is

a better conductor of heat than copper!) despite being an electrical
insulator.

Moreover, the student is using the wrong science concept. The

concept tested here is thermal conductivity and not electrical
conductors.

-7-
Copyright © of [Link]
 Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter
Thermal Conductivity [Link]
Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

Hi there,

My name is Andy Ling and I’ve been teaching science over the past 8
years (from primary 3 to primary 6 and from secondary 1 to 4).

My live Zoom lessons are conducted at the Grade Solution Learning

Centre.

I started [Link] where our teachers offer free and premium

pre-recorded courses on mastering science concepts and answering
techniques.

Every year, we have over 500 science students in the pre-recorded

courses and live online classes.

When students don’t give me too much stress, my passion is to share

science concepts and its applications to real-life.

Talk to you soon!

Andy Ling
[Link]
Guiding your child to be the master of science concepts
Check out our testimonials on the ScienceShifu Facebook page.

-8-
Copyright © of [Link]
 Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter
Thermal Conductivity [Link]
Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

Interested in our pre-recorded online courses at Science Shifu?

If you are looking for something that fits your budget, or prefer your child
learn at his or her own pace, you can join our pre-recorded online science
courses.

You can see the available courses here >>>

[Link]

The online courses from ScienceShifu consist of many pre-recorded lesson

videos for your child to master the answering techniques and science
concepts.

This is a one-to-one coaching to your child. There is no background noise

of other students.

Your child can pause the video to try out the examples or replay the lesson
videos.

There are many OEQs and MCQs provided for your child to practise.

We also provide 24/7 Homework Helper Service for your child to clarify his
or her doubts in the science questions.

Got a Question?
Contact us via email: AndyLing@[Link]

-9-
Copyright © of [Link]
 Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter
Thermal Conductivity [Link]
Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

Join the All-In-One ‘Eureka!’ Program

At Grade Solution Learning Centre, we are a team of dedicated

educators whose mission is to guide your child to academic success.
Here are the services your child gets access to when they sign up for
our All-in-one ‘Eureka!’ Program:
- Live Zoom lessons
- Adaptably™, an innovative smart learning platform featuring
thousands of PSLE and exam-based questions tailored for your
child's practice. Adaptably not only tracks your child's progress
but also identifies their strengths and areas for improvement,
providing valuable insights to enhance their learning journey.
We have thousands of multiple-choice and open-ended
questions for your child!
- 24/7 Homework Helper Service
We provide all these services above at a very affordable monthly fee
to allow as many students as possible to access such learning
opportunities. We specialise in English, Math, Science, and Chinese
subjects. You can see our fees and schedules here
>>> [Link]
ScienceShifu provides pre-recorded science courses. Grade Solution
Learning Centre provides live classes for your child.

The teaching materials are almost the same. I am personally teaching

some of the weekly Zoom classes at Grade Solution Learning Centre.

- 10 -
Copyright © of [Link]
 Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter
Thermal Conductivity [Link]
Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

You Might Be Interested In These

Join the ScienceShifu Channel on Telegram to get the latest science

exam tips and promotions.

ScienceShifu Channel on Telegram:

(Be the first to receive study tips and learning videos!)

Click below to join the Telegram Channel:

[Link]

Or
Simply search for “ScienceShifu” in your Telegram App to join our
channel.

- 11 -
Copyright © of [Link]
 Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter
Thermal Conductivity [Link]
Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

Follow the ScienceShifu Instagram Channel to learn more science

concepts

Benefits of joining Instagram:

– Watch out for interesting posts from ScienceShifu explaining
science concepts.
– Short videos where I will be going through past year exam
questions.

Click on the link below to join the ScienceShifu Instagram Channel:

[Link]

Or
Simply search for “ScienceShifu” in your Instagram App to follow
our Instagram account.

- 12 -
Copyright © of [Link]
 Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter
Thermal Conductivity [Link]
Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

Primary 3 Science Premium Course

A Premium Subscription Course

For Primary 3 students

Master the scientific keywords and answering techniques at home!

Based on the latest MOE syllabus.

New lessons are uploaded regularly.

Worksheets and Monthly Tests included.
Receive Unlimited Support, review and feedback!

(Click the link below to go to the Course)

[Link]
information/

(Click the link below to go to the Course)

Click on the “Sign Up Now” button to enrol this course

- 13 -
Copyright © of [Link]
 Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter
Thermal Conductivity [Link]
Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

Primary 4 Science Premium Course

A Premium Subscription Course

For Primary 4 students

Master the science concepts and answering techniques at home!

Based on the latest MOE syllabus.

New lessons are uploaded regularly.

Worksheets and Monthly Tests included.
Receive Unlimited Support, review and feedback!

(Click the link below to go to the Course)

[Link]
information/
Click on the “Sign Up Now” button to enrol this course

- 14 -
Copyright © of [Link]
 Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter
Thermal Conductivity [Link]
Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

Primary 5 Science Premium Course

A Premium Subscription Course

For primary 5 students

Master the science concepts and answering techniques at home!

Based on the latest MOE syllabus.

New lessons are uploaded regularly.

Worksheets and Monthly Tests included.
Receive Unlimited Support, review and feedback!

(Click the link below to go to the Course)

[Link]
information/
Click on the “Sign Up Now” button to enrol this course

- 15 -
Copyright © of [Link]
 Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter
Thermal Conductivity [Link]
Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

PSLE Science Premium Course

A Premium Subscription Course

For P6 students

Master the science concepts and answering techniques at home!

Based on the latest MOE syllabus.

New lessons are uploaded regularly.

Worksheets and Monthly Tests included.
Receive Unlimited Support, review and feedback!

(Click the link below to go to the Course)

[Link]
information/
Click on the “Sign Up Now” button to enrol this course

- 16 -
Copyright © of [Link]
 Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter
Thermal Conductivity [Link]
Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

Secondary 1 Science Premium Course

A Premium Subscription Course

For Sec 1 students

Master the science concepts and answering techniques anytime!

We will show you how examiners test the concepts.

Based on the latest MOE syllabus.

New lessons are uploaded regularly.

Assignments and Monthly Tests included.
Receive Unlimited Support, review and feedback!

(Click the link below to go to the Course)

[Link]
information/
Click on the “Sign Up Now” button to enrol this course

- 17 -
Copyright © of [Link]
 Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter
Thermal Conductivity [Link]
Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

Secondary 2 Science Premium Course

A Premium Subscription Course

For Sec 2 students

Master the science concepts and answering techniques anytime!

We will show you how examiners test the concepts.

Based on the latest MOE syllabus.

New lessons are uploaded regularly.

Assignments and Monthly Tests included.
Receive Unlimited Support, review and feedback!

(Click the link below to go to the Course)

[Link]
information/
Click on the “Sign Up Now” button to enrol this course

- 18 -
Copyright © of [Link]
 Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter
Thermal Conductivity [Link]
Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

Secondary 3 Chemistry Premium Course

A Premium Subscription Course

For Sec 3 Pure Chemistry students
Master the science concepts and answering techniques anytime!
We will show you how examiners test the concepts.

Based on the latest MOE syllabus.

New lessons are uploaded regularly.

Assignments and Tests included.
Receive Unlimited Support, review and feedback!

(Click the link below to go to the Course)

[Link]
course/
Click on the “Sign Up Now” button to enrol this course

- 19 -
Copyright © of [Link]
 Sec 1 Science Notes - Exploring diversity of matter
Thermal Conductivity [Link]
Email to: AndyLing@[Link]

Secondary 4 Chemistry Premium Course

A Premium Subscription Course

For Sec 4 Pure Chemistry students

Master the science concepts and answering techniques anytime!

We will show you how examiners test the concepts.

Based on the latest MOE syllabus.

New lessons are uploaded regularly.

Assignments and Tests included.
Receive Unlimited Support, review and feedback!

(Click the link below to go to the Course)

[Link]
course/
Click on the “Sign Up Now” button to enrol this course

- 20 -
Copyright © of [Link]