Heat conduction takes place between two objects in contact with each other. Heat energy moves from one material to the other. In heat conduction, the heat energy travels from the hot point to a cold point. Now that you have learned all 3 of the ways heat energy can travel through substances, let's take a close look at conduction. This may be the most understandable of all three ways of heat transfer. Conduction transfers heat via direct molecular collision. Yes, that's right, heat travels because molecules are rubbing together and making heat. How fast do they pass the energy along? If the conductor is a metal...really fast! The Bunsen burner is heating molecules packed closely together. If these molecules had a skin, it could be a metal spoon, a metal pot handle or another solid object. The heat of the fire is warming the cool pot. Remember heat travels from HOT to COLD, not the other way around. All heat travels from hot to cold in each pathway of energy transfer. Higher-speed particles will collide with slower speed particles. The slower-speed particles will increase in "kinetic" energy as a result. Conduction is the most common form of heat transfer and occurs by way of physical contact. I would NEVER recommend fire walking, but if your feet touch something hot, you are going to feel that heat very quickly! Once the solid object is as hot as the heat source, the transfer of energy stops. Solids that conduct heat the best are metals. A wooden spoon, clothing, plastic and glass would not conduct heat as quickly, but it will get hot if put next to a heat source and possibly burst into flames! Not all things that melt are gross....
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Mrs. TaylorI love science! Everything about the world is interesting and never boring. I love to study plants, animals, insects, and people. My favorite subjects are my students who are the most unique organisms on the planet! Categories |