Thermal insulators
I can use the idea of vibrating particles to explain why wrapping an object in a thermal insulator keeps a hot object warm and a cold object cool.
Thermal insulators
I can use the idea of vibrating particles to explain why wrapping an object in a thermal insulator keeps a hot object warm and a cold object cool.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Particle vibrations are passed on more quickly between a hot object and conductor than a hot object and an insulator.
- Materials that contain trapped air provide good insulation because gases are very poor thermal conductors.
- Wrapping an object in an insulator keeps a hot object warm and a cold object cool.
Keywords
Thermal conduction - a change in temperature due to particles passing on their motion through the forces between them or by particle collisions
Thermal conductor - a substance through which thermal conduction happens quickly
Thermal insulator - a substance through which thermal conduction happens slowly
Insulation - a layer of thermal insulator around an object to help maintain its temperature
Common misconception
Insulators warm objects up.
Show your class that an insulator keeps an ice cube colder for longer by wrapping one in a conductor (such as aluminium foil) and another in an insulator at the start of the lesson. The ice cube in the conductor will melt first.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), 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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