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Thermal conduction and insulation
I can explain how energy is transferred by thermal conduction in metals and non–metals.
Lesson 1 of 7
New
New
- Year 10
- AQA
Thermal conduction and insulation
I can explain how energy is transferred by thermal conduction in metals and non–metals.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The faster the particles of a substance are vibrating or moving, the higher the substance's temperature.
- In solids, energy is transferred by vibrating particles colliding with nearby particles, causing them to vibrate more.
- Metals are good conductors as their free electrons move through them more quickly when heated and transfer energy.
- Thermal conductors can feel cold because they transfer energy quickly away from their surface.
- Thermal insulators can feel warm because they do not transfer energy quickly from their surface.
Keywords
Heating - causes the particles of a substance to move or vibrate more rapidly
Thermal conduction - the transfer of energy through a material due to collisions between moving or vibrating particles
Thermal insulation - reduces the transfer of energy by thermal conduction
Thermal conductors - substances that transfer energy by thermal conduction quickly
Thermal insulators - substances that transfer energy by thermal conduction slowly or not at all
Common misconception
Pupils often do not accept that all objects left in a room for a long time are the same temperature.
Provide opportunities to consolidate the understanding that particles vibrating with more energy transfer some of that energy to particles with less energy through collisions and when bonded together in a solid.
Thermal conduction is the transfer of energy when moving particles that are bonded to or collide with other particles cause those particles to move with more speed. Emphasise that heat is not something that is transferred; heat is a sensation caused by the movement of particles.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is a unit of temperature?
Which of the following is a unit of temperature?
metres
degrees
joules
watts
Q2.What is the boiling point of pure water?
What is the boiling point of pure water?
-100°C
-0°C
0°C
200°C
Q3.When a metal block is heated, the size of which energy store increases?
When a metal block is heated, the size of which energy store increases?
the chemical store
the nuclear store
the gravitational store
the magnetic store
Q4.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?
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 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 0°C.
Q5.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?
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 temperature of the milk will remain constant.
The temperature of the milk will fall.
The temperature of the milk will instantly rise to 20°C.
The temperature of the milk will slowly rise to 100°C.
Q6.Why does the liquid in a thermometer move up the glass tube when its temperature rises?
Why does the liquid in a thermometer move up the glass tube when its temperature rises?
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.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the following key words or phrases to their definition.
Match the following key words or phrases to their definition.
Q2.Which of the following materials is the best thermal conductor?
Which of the following materials is the best thermal conductor?
glass
rubber
air
wood
Q3.Why are metals good thermal conductors?
Why are metals good thermal conductors?
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 are good electrical conductors.
Q4.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?
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?
copper rod
aluminium rod
steel rod
Q5.A material made from wood fibres can be used as an insulating material. Why is the material used to reduce energy loss?
A material made from wood fibres can be used as an insulating material. Why is the material used to reduce energy loss?
It is very light.
Wood is a poor thermal insulator.
It is not flammable.
Q6.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?
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?
It is a good thermal conductor.
It does not break easily.
Its temperature will not rise when heated.
It is not flammable.
