3.2 Conduction

Question 1

What is conduction?

Answer 1

Conduction is when thermal energy is able to pass through solid materials.

Question 2

How does conduction happen?

Answer 2

When a part of the material is heated the particles gain energy this gain of energy causes the particles to vibrate more. Those vibrating particles collide with the particles nearby and pass some of the thermal energy onto them causing the new ones to vibrate even more vigorously and this continues with the energy being passed until all the objects are heated.

Question 3

How can energy be passed on from one part of a metal to another?

Answer 3

The energy can be quickly passed on by free-moving electrons that are responsible for electrical currents.

Question 4

How do you prevent the flow of thermal energy by conduction?

Answer 4

By using insulating materials.

Question 5

What are insulators?

Answer 5

Insulators are poor conductors of thermal energy

Question 6

What is a well-known poor conductor of thermal energy?

Answer 6

Air

Question 7

What are 2 things that are effective insulating materials?

Answer 7

Polystrene and Wool