Thermal Conduction in Materials
Learning Objective
I can explain why some materials are good thermal conductors and others are not.
Key Concepts
In solids, heat is transferred by conduction, in fluids it is transferred by convection, and through empty space it is transferred by radiation.
Thermal conductivity determines how well objects transfer energy by conduction; metals have high thermal conductivity, while plastics and fluids have low thermal conductivity.
In convection, warmer, less dense fluid rises, while cooler, more dense fluid sinks, creating a convection current.
Practice Questions
This lesson includes 7 practice questions to reinforce learning.
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1. Explain how particles transfer thermal energy in conduction.
2. Why are metals generally good thermal conductors?
3. Which of the following materials is LEAST likely to be a good thermal conductor?
...and 4 more questions
Educational Video
GCSE Physics - Conduction, Convection and Radiation
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