Designing a Thermal Insulated Cup to Keep Water Cold

In this assignment, you will use your knowledge of heat transfer and materials to design a cup that keeps cold water from warming up. Your goal is to MINIMIZE the amount of heat that enters the cup from the outside. Think about how different materials and cup designs can help prevent heat from moving into the water. Answer the questions below to show your understanding and creativity.

Answer the following questions about designing a thermal insulated cup. Use what you know about conduction, convection, and radiation, as well as the properties of different materials.

What is one material (paper, plastic, metal, wood, other?) you would use to make the inside layer of your insulated cup? Explain why you chose this material.

What is one material you would use for the outside layer of your cup? Explain how it helps keep heat from entering the cup.

Describe one way you would design the cup to reduce heat transfer by conduction.

Describe one way you would design the cup to reduce heat transfer by convection and/or through the lid.

Describe one way you would design the cup to reduce heat transfer by radiation.

Draw and label a diagram of your insulated cup design on a separate sheet of paper. Briefly describe your drawing here.