Conduction

Question 1

What are the best conductors?

Answer 1

Metals are the best conductors.

Question 2

Why are non-metals poor conductors?

Answer 2

Non-metals are poor conductors because they do not contain free electrons. These free electrons transfer energy inside the metal.

Question 3

What happens when a solid is heated?

Answer 3

If one end of a solid is heated , the particles at that end gain kinetic energy and vibrate more. This energy is passed to neighbouring particles and in this way the energy is transferred through the solid. This process occurs in metals. In addition, when metals are heated their free electrons gain kinetic energy and move through the metal, transferring energy by colliding with other particles. Hence all metals are good conductors.

Question 4

What are insulators?

Answer 4

Poor conductors are called insulators. Wool and fibreglass are good conductors because they contain trapped air.

Question 5

Where does conduction occur?

Answer 5

Conduction mainly occurs in solids. Most liquids and gases are poor conductors