Conductors

​Why Some Materials are Good Conductors of Heat and Electricity

• Understand the concept of Heat and Electricity conduction

• Identify materials that are good conductors.

• Explain why certain materials conduct heat and electricity well.

• Apply knowledge to everyday examples.

​Objectives:

Today we'll explore why Some Materials like metals, are good conductors of heat and electricity.

Word Cloud

What do you think of when you hear the word "conductor"?

What is conduction?

​Heat conduction: The transfer of thermal energy through a material.

Electrical conduction: The flow of electric charges through a material.

​What makes a good conductor?

​Free Electrons: metals (e.g., copper, aluminum) have free electrons that can move easily, making them good conductors.

​Tightly Packed Atoms: The dense atomic structure of metals allows for efficient energy transfer.

​Examples of Good Conductors and Poor Conductors

​Good Conductors: Copper, silver, gold, aluminum

Poor Conductors (Insulators): Wood. Plastic, Rubber, Glass

Everday Applications of Conductors

Electrical wires (copper), cooking pots and pans (aluminum and stainless steel)

Multiple Choice

Silver

• Good Conductors

• Poor Conductors

Multiple Choice

Copper

• Good Conductors

• Poor Conductors

Multiple Choice

Styrofoam

• Good Conductors

• Poor Conductors

Multiple Choice

Iron

• Good Conductors

• Poor Conductors

Multiple Choice

Cork

• Good Conductors

• Poor Conductors

Open Ended

Why do you think copper is used in wires?

Why do you think copper is used in wires?

​Copper is used in wires because it is an excellent conductor of electricity. This mean that it allows electric current to flow through it with very little resistance. Copper is also durablee, flexible and inexpensive.

Draw

Drawing Conduction Pathways

Draw the follwing:

B. Electrical conduction through a copper wire connected to a light bulb.

Draw

Drawing Conduction Pathways

Draw the follwing:

a. Heat conduction through a metal rod placed in a fire.