Chill Out: How Hot Objects Cool
Recommended for grades 9–12.
Introduction
Memo to Detective Sergeant:
The elevator operator of the Ritz Palace Hotel died from a stab wound while on duty last Thursday evening. His body was discovered by a family on its way down to the pool. When we arrived at the scene, we canvassed the area but found nothing. The elevator is full of fingerprints of the hundreds of guests who ride it during the day. We have several suspects in mind, but we are having trouble pinning down the time of death. If we can determine that, we have a good shot at finding the killer.
Objectives
- Determine the time of death of a person who has died within the last few hours.
- Create a temperature vs. time graph for cooling.
- Model the temperature data with an exponential function.
- Use the model to estimate time of death.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.