a change in temperature due to particles passing on their motion through their bonds or by particle collisions

a substance along which thermal conduction happens quickly

a substance along which thermal conduction happens slowly

hold together the neighbouring particles in a solid or liquid; these forces are weaker the further apart the particles are

Thermal conductors

Science

Measuring temperature

Changing temperature

Mixing substances of different temperatures

Cooling

Thermal insulators

Energy and temperature

Energy and substance

In the Particle explanations of density and pressure unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn how the arrangement and movement of particles in solids, liquids and gases explain density, pressure, floating and convection.

In the Solids, liquids, gases and changes of state unit, pupils learnt to categorise solids, liquids and gases, how the particles are arranged and moving in each state and what happens to particles during a change of state.

This unit explains energy transfer between objects due to temperature differences, through conduction or radiation, the role of insulators, and thermal equilibrium. It covers particle arrangements and motions in solids, liquids, and gases and Brownian motion.

Heating and cooling

If the temperature along a solid increases quickly, it is called a thermal {{}}.

If the temperature along a solid increases slowly, it is called a thermal {{}}.

Which of the following would you expect to be good thermal conductors?

it is impossible to tell without more information

Which of these metals is the best thermal conductor? 

What happens to the particles a solid is made of when its temperature is increased?

in a solid, particles are much closer together

in a solid, particles have stronger forces of attraction between them 

Why are solids better thermal conductors than liquids?

Which material passes a vibration on the quickest when one end is shaken?

Its particles are held together by strong attractive forces.

Its particles are very close together, mostly touching.

Wood and plastic do not burn in a gas flame.

Why is the handle of a sauce pan often made of wood or plastic?

Why is the base of a saucepan usually made of metal?

In which state of matter do particles collide the least often?

The other end remains at room temperature.

What happens when one end of a metal rod is heated in a Bunsen flame?

Thermal conductors

Lesson outcome