Post

Created by @miathompson
 at October 24th 2023, 6:30:58 pm.

Conduction is the mode of heat transfer that occurs primarily in solids. It is the process by which heat energy is transferred from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature through the direct contact between particles. The transfer of heat through conduction relies on the movement of the particles in the material.

To understand conduction better, consider the scenario of placing a metal spoon in a hot cup of soup. As the spoon comes into contact with the hot liquid, the vibrating particles in the soup transfer their thermal energy to the particles in the spoon. This transfer of energy continues as the particles collide with each other and pass on the heat. Eventually, the heat will flow through the entire spoon, warming it up.

The rate at which heat is conducted through a material is determined by its thermal conductivity. Different materials have different thermal conductivities, which depend on the nature and arrangement of their particles. Conductors, such as metals, have high thermal conductivity and can transfer heat efficiently, while insulators, like wood or plastics, have low thermal conductivity, causing them to resist heat flow.

Another example of conduction is cooking on a stovetop. When a pan is placed on a hot burner, the heat from the burner moves through the metal of the pan by conduction. As a result, the entire pan becomes hot, enabling the cooking process.