Thermal Conductors and Insulators

Thermal conductors allow ____ to move through them.

• heat

• air

• water

Plastic is a good thermal conductor.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Plastic is a good thermal insulator as it does not

allow heat to pass through it.

The handles of saucepans are often made from

plastic to protect your hand from the heat.

Which of these sentences are true?

• Heat always travels to a warmer place.

• Heat does not travel; it stays in one place.

• Heat always travels from a warmer place to a cooler one.

Answer explanation

A hot cup of tea left in a cold place will lose heat until it is the same temperature as its surroundings.

A scarf is a good thermal ​_____ because it stops your body heat from escaping into the cold air.

• insulator

• conductor

A wooden spoon is an example of a:

• Insulator

• Conductor

Answer explanation

A wooden spoon is an example of a thermal insulator.

Wood does not allow heat to travel through it. Wooden spoons are used in cooking so that you do not burn your hand.

Metals are good thermal conductors.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Metals are very good thermal conductors. We use metals such as steel and aluminium to make objects that need to heat up quickly. For example, saucepans are made of metal so that we can heat and cook food effectively.