Conduction - Oxford AQA IGCSE Physics

Front

What is thermal conduction?

Back

The process of energy transfer by vibrating particles in a substance. It is the main method of thermal energy transfer in solids.

Front

In which direction does energy transfer occur during conduction?

Back

The direction of energy transfer is always from hot to cold.

Front

What happens when two objects of different temperatures come in contact?

Back

Thermal energy is transferred from the hotter object to the cooler object.

Front

What occurs when a substance is heated in terms of particle movement?

Back

The particles start to move around (vibrate) more, transferring energy from their kinetic store to the kinetic store of neighboring particles as they collide.

Front

What is thermal equilibrium?

Back

Thermal equilibrium is achieved when energy is evenly distributed throughout the substance.

Front

Why are metals good thermal conductors?

Back

Metals have a high number of free electrons that gain energy and transfer it quickly through the metal.

Front

How do free electrons contribute to conduction in metals?

Back

Free electrons gain energy and travel through the metal, speeding up thermal conduction by colliding with other electrons and metal ions.

Front

Why are liquids and gases poor conductors of heat?

Back

In liquids, particles are close but slide past each other, while in gases, particles have more space between them, making them poor conductors.

Front

What is an insulator?

Back

An insulator is a substance that is a poor thermal conductor, used to reduce energy transfers.

Front

Give examples of good insulators.

Back

wool, plastic, wood.