2.3.2

Molecular Conduction

Test yourself

How Conduction Happens

There are two mechanisms for conduction in a solid:

Illustrative background for Lattice vibrationsIllustrative background for Lattice vibrations ?? "content

Lattice vibrations

  • If one part of a solid is heated, the particles in that part gain energy and vibrate more.
  • These vibrations then transfer heat energy to neighbouring particles which also vibrate more.
  • The closer particles are together (in a more dense solid), the better the solid will conduct heat energy.
Illustrative background for Electron transferIllustrative background for Electron transfer ?? "content

Electron transfer

  • Metal lattices contain free (delocalised) electrons that can move anywhere in the lattice.
  • These electrons gain heat energy in the hot part of the object and carry it to other parts of the lattice.
  • Solids with more free electrons are better thermal conductors.
Illustrative background for Gases and liquidsIllustrative background for Gases and liquids ?? "content

Gases and liquids

  • In liquids and gases, particles are much farther apart.
  • Because of this large spacing, collisions between particles happen less frequently, so energy transfer is much slower.
  • In gases, the spacing is greatest, making them the worst conductors.

Jump to other topics

1Motion, Forces & Energy

1.1Physical Quantities & Measurement Techniques

1.2Motion

1.3Mass & Weight

1.4Density

1.5Forces: Effects of Forces

1.6Forces: Turning Effects of Forces

1.7Forces: Centre of Gravity

1.8Momentum

1.9Energy, Work, & Power: Energy

1.10Energy, Work & Power: Work

1.11Energy, Work & Power: Energy Resources

1.12Energy, Work & Power: Power

1.13Pressure

2Thermal Physics

3Waves

4Electricity & Magnetism

4.1Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

4.2Electrical Quantities: Electric Charge

4.3Electrical Quantities: Electric Current

4.4Electromotive Force & Potential Difference

4.5Electrical Quantities: Resistance

4.6Electrical Energy & Electrical Power

4.7Electric Circuits: Circuit Diagrams & Components

4.8Electric Circuits: Series & Parallel Circuits

4.9Electric Circuits: Action & Use

4.10Electrical Safety

4.11Electromagnetic Effects: Electromagnetic Induction

4.12Electromagnetic Effects: The A.C. Generator

4.13Magnetic Effect of a Current

4.14Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor

4.15Electromagnetic Effects: The D.C. Motor

4.16Electromagnetic Effects: The Transformer

5Nuclear Physics

6Space Physics

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