Topic 1a - energy transfers (5. conduction and convection) Flashcards
what is conduction
the process by which vibrations particles transfer energy to neighbouring particles.
explain how conduction works
when an object is being heated the the particles in that part of the object have more energy transferred to their kinetic energy stores and so they vibrate more and collide with each other. these collisions cause energy to be transferred between particles. this process continues throughout the object until the energy is spread out throughout the object. it is then usually transferred to the object’s surroundings or anything else touching the pot.
why does conduction only happen in solids?
particles in gases and liquids are more spread out meaning they collide less.
what is thermal conductivity
a measure of how quickly energy is transferred through a material in this way. materials with a high thermal conductivity transfer energy quicker and materials with a low thermal conductivity transfer energy slower.
what is convection
where energetic particles move away from hotter to cooler regions
what state of matter can convection not happen in
solids
explain how convection works using a radiator
energy is transferred from the radiator to nearby air particles by conduction. air by the radiator becomes warmer and less dense. this warm air rises and is replaced by cooler air. The cooler air is then heated by the radiator.
