Conduction Gcse P1a

Conduction GCSE P1a Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy from one neighbouring molecule (or atom) to another. Conduction occurs mainly in solids. Most liquids and all gases are poor conductors. A poor conductor is sometimes called an insulator. Conduction happens best when molecules (or atoms) are close together in a regular structure.

Metals vs Non-metals Some solids are better conductors than others. Metals are especially good conductors because transfer occurs by two methods: • the atoms (ions) have a knock-on effect (as with non-metals), • free electrons move through the metal, carrying energy.

Little Pockets of Air Air is a good insulator because it is a gas. Gases are poor conductors because the molecules are further apart, and so the “knock-on effect” is less pronounced. Air is an even better insulator when it is trapped in small pockets to prevent convection. Wood is a good insulator, despite being a solid, because it has very small air pockets between the fibres of wood. For each of the following materials, decide if it is a conductor or an insulator. Write them the correct place in the table. loft insulation

copper

feathers

ice

silver

wool

bricks

aluminium

gold

mercury

water

hydrogen

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Conduction GCSE P1a Conductors

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Insulators