Question

In the experiment where a test tube of water is heated from the top with ice at the bottom, the ice does not melt. What is the primary reason for this?

Options

• Ice reflects heat radiation from the flame

• Water is a bad conductor and convection does not occur downward

• The test tube is a bad conductor of heat

• Ice absorbs all the heat before it reaches the water

Answer 1

Water is a bad conductor, and convection does not occur downward

Explanation:

When the upper part of the water is heated, its density decreases, and it stays at the top. Since heated water cannot sink, convection currents do not form downward. Water is also a poor conductor of heat, so the heat does not reach the ice at the bottom.