Round 12: Tossup 4
Cylindrical structures used for this purpose only properly function if their radius exceeds a critical radius equal to k over h. Structures like junctions act as “bridges” that impede this purpose by having high psi-value. This purpose is the primary reason why a certain material may be “double-glazed” or “low e.” Materials used for this purpose are rated by their R-value, which is additive for materials layers stacked on top of each other. Materials used for this purpose are formed by spinning them like cotton candy to create large pockets that trap air. The component of the building envelope used for this purpose is typically assessed for using an infrared camera. For 10 points, fiberglass wool is used in buildings for what purpose due to its low thermal conductivity? ■END■
ANSWER: thermal insulation [or building insulation; or word forms like thermal insulators; accept answers referring to retaining heat or preventing heat loss; prompt on answers referring to being energy efficient or minimizing energy usage or expenditure by asking “by performing what specific function?”; prompt on answers referring to reducing the amount of heating or air conditioning or HVAC necessary by asking “by performing what specific function?”; prompt on answers referring to temperature control or maintaining the temperature by asking “by doing what?”; prompt on efficiency; reject “heating” or answers referring to producing or providing or generating heat; reject answers specifying electrical insulation]
<GC, Physics> | Packet H - Yale A, Ohio State C, Illinois C, Virginia Tech B, MIT A
= Average correct buzzpoint
Back to tossups