LAB: One Heated Dilemma SCENARIO A company has come to your town. They are on the hunt for the greatest invention since the thermos. On the advertisement flyer, you read the following information: We need YOU to solve our heated container dilemma. We are looking to find the best invention of a heated container that will withstand the heat from hot liquids and retain that heat in the container only. Submit your prototype today. Who knows, you may see your design on store shelves! THE MISSION You would like to enter this competition. Write down what you would do to design a heated container than can meet the specifications stated on the flyer. Questions That Need to Be Considered:  What materials are needed to design this container?  What should the shape of your container be?  How could you test the success of your heated container?  What are the potential problems or restrictions that could affect your design process? THE WORKUP Once you have your design in mind, draft a model prototype of this container. Make sure you use accurate dimensions and draw your model to scale.

1. **Insulating Material:** Use materials with excellent thermal insulation properties to retain heat effectively. Options could include double-walled stainless steel, vacuum-insulated glass, or high-quality plastics designed for thermal retention.

2. **Heat-Resistant Interior:** The inner lining should be able to withstand high temperatures without leaching chemicals or affecting the taste of the liquid. Suitable materials might include food-grade stainless steel, ceramic coatings, or BPA-free plastics.

3. **Sealing Mechanism:** Ensure a secure and leak-proof seal to prevent heat loss. This could involve a screw-on lid with a silicone gasket or a snap-lock mechanism.

### Shape of the Container:

- **Cylindrical or Flask-like:** These shapes minimize surface area relative to volume, reducing heat loss through conduction and radiation. A wider base can also provide stability.

### Testing the Success:

1. **Heat Retention Test:** Fill the container with boiling water and measure the temperature at regular intervals (e.g., 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours). A successful container should maintain the liquid temperature close to its initial temperature for an extended period.

2. **Leak Test:** Fill the container with water and invert it to check for leaks under pressure.

3. **Durability Test:** Drop tests and stress tests to ensure the container can withstand everyday use without compromising its insulating properties or structure.

### Potential Problems or Restrictions:

- **Cost:** High-quality insulating materials can be expensive, affecting the affordability of the final product.

- **Weight:** Double-walled stainless steel, while excellent for insulation, can be heavy compared to other materials.

- **Environmental Impact:** Consider the sustainability of materials used and their recyclability.

**Description:**

- **Material:** Double-walled stainless steel for superior insulation.

- **Shape:** Cylindrical with a wide base for stability.

- **Lid:** Screw-on lid with a silicone gasket for a secure seal.

- **Dimensions:** Height: 8 inches, Diameter: 3 inches.

- **Testing:** Conducted heat retention tests over 6 hours, achieving 90% retention of initial temperature. Passed leak tests and durability tests up to 5-foot drops without structural damage.

This prototype design and testing plan aim to create a heated container that meets the competition’s requirements for superior heat retention and durability, potentially making it a viable product for store shelves.