causes the particles of a substance to move or vibrate more rapidly

the transfer of energy through a material due to collisions between moving or vibrating particles

reduces the transfer of energy by thermal conduction

substances that transfer energy by thermal conduction quickly

substances that transfer energy by thermal conduction slowly or not at all

Thermal conduction and insulation

Physics

In the Nuclear physics unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to learn about subatomic particles, unstable nuclei, radioactive decay, ionising radiation and radioactive half-life.

In the Particle explanations of density and pressure unit, pupils learnt how the arrangement and movement of particles in solids, liquids and gases explain density, pressure, floating and convection.

Energy of moving particles

energy transfer in a material due to particle vibration or movement

reduces how quickly energy is transferred by thermal conduction

substances that transfer energy by thermal conduction slowly

Match the following key words or phrases to their definition.

Which of the following materials is the best thermal conductor?

They have large atoms which can transfer energy more quickly due to their size.

They have free electrons which can produce extra energy.

They have high melting points so can become very hot more easily.

They have free electrons which can move throughout the metal to transfer energy.

Four rods made from different materials (copper, glass, aluminium, steel) have wax on one end. The other ends are heated with a Bunsen burner. On which rod will the wax start to melt last?

It contains trapped air which is a good thermal insulator.

The image shows an insulating material used in the loft (attic) of a house to reduce energy loss. It is made from wood fibres. Why is the material used to reduce energy loss?

It will conduct energy if heated for long enough.

Its temperature will not rise when heated.

The mat used during experiments with a Bunsen burner is sometimes called a ‘heat proof mat’. Why should it be called a ‘heat resistant mat’ instead?

Which of the following is a unit of temperature?

When a metal block is heated, the size of which energy store increases?

The temperature of the brick will remain constant.

The temperature of the brick will increase.

The temperature of the brick will instantly fall to 20°C.

The temperature of the brick will slowly fall to 20°C.

The temperature of the brick will slowly fall to 0°C.

A very hot brick is taken out of an oven and placed in a room which is at 20°C. Which of the following statements correctly describes what will happen?

The temperature of the milk will remain constant.

The temperature of the milk will instantly rise to 20°C.

The temperature of the milk will slowly rise to 20°C.

The temperature of the milk will slowly rise to 100°C.

A cold glass of milk taken out of a fridge at 4°C and is placed in a room, which is at 20°C. Which of the following statements correctly describes what will happen?

The particles in the liquid become lighter and so can rise more easily.

The particles in the liquid expand and take up more space.

The liquid changes state from a liquid into a gas.

The liquid changes state from a liquid to a solid. 

The particles move faster and take up more space, causing the liquid to expand.

Why does the liquid in a thermometer move up the glass tube when its temperature rises?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Thermal conduction and insulation

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.