Abstract:

This work presents experimental investigations into heat transfer mechanisms, focusing on convection and conduction phenomena in a water-filled beaker setup. Two experiments were conducted, each using a heat source, five temperature sensors aligned vertically within a beaker, and an Arduino UNO for automatic data acquisition.

Arduino, an adaptable open-source electronics platform, provides a user-friendly solution for automating data acquisition tasks. Its programming environment allows effortless customization, adapting to evolving research or project needs. This makes it an indispensable tool for long-term data acquisition experiments, like the one detailed here.

In the first experiment, the heat source was positioned at the bottom, inducing convection currents within the water column. The second experiment involved placing the heat source on top, facilitating heat transfer primarily through conduction.

The results of the experiments reveal distinct differences in heat transfer efficiency between the two mechanisms. In the convection-dominated setup, rapid and efficient heat transfer was observed, characterised by the movement of warm water upwards and cool water downwards, creating a continuous circulation pattern. Conversely, in the conduction-focused experiment, heat transfer was slower and less efficient, with temperature variations mainly confined to the vicinity of the heat source.

Through analysis of temperature data collected from the sensors, insights into the dynamics of heat transfer in water under different conditions were gained. This study contributes to a better understanding of thermal behaviour in fluid systems and provides valuable insights for applications in various fields, including engineering, environmental science, and education.

In addition to advancing our understanding of heat transfer mechanisms, this study underscores the role of Arduino technology in fostering active learning and promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in the classroom. By integrating Arduino-based data acquisition systems into scientific experiments, educators can offer students hands-on opportunities to explore complex scientific principles in real-time. Furthermore, the use of Arduino platforms encourages technological literacy and computational thinking among students, preparing them for future careers in STEM fields.

Keywords:

Heat transfer, convection, conduction in water, temperature sensors, fluid dynamics, thermal behaviour.