Conduction, convection, radiation, and insulation

Cards (23)

  • the best conductors are: silver, copper, aluminium, steel, and iron
  • conduction happens when particles are hot they vibrate more. This causes them to collide with adjacent particles and transfer thermal energy
  • heat energy travels from hotter to colder areas
  • when there is a larger temperature difference energy transfers faster
  • conduction only happens in solids
  • poor conductors are called insulators
  • metal is a good conductor whereas plastic is a bad conductor
  • metals have a different structure to other solids
  • convection happens in liquids and gases
  • convection currents are when warmer particles rise to replace colder ones. when they cool they sink and are then replaced themselves.
  • convection currents cause heat transfer
  • radiation travels through waves meaning it can travel through space
  • the earth is warmed by infra-red radiation
  • infra-red rays can; travel in a vacuum, travel at the speed of light, be reflected and absorbed, and travel in straight lines.
  • matt black surfaces are the best emitter of radiation whereas shiny silver surfaces are the worst emitter of radiation
  • radiation travels in straight lines in all directions
  • radiation is used by solar panels
  • insulation is a material that does not allow charge or heat to pass through it easily
  • insulation reflects radiation or decreases conduction/convection
  • loft insulation

    stops heat escaping through the roof
  • double glazing

    stops heat escaping through closed windows
  • electrical insulators do not allow electricity to pass through them
  • examples of electrical insulators are plastic wood and rubber