4.4.3

Molecular Conduction

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How Conduction Happens

There are two mechanisms for conduction in a solid:

Lattice vibrations

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.
Electron transfer

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.
Jump to other topics
1

Forces & Motion

1.1

Basics of Motion

1.2

Forces

1.3

Effects of Forces

1.4

Stopping Distance

1.5

Forces & Elasticity

2

Electricity

3

Waves

4

Energy Resources & Energy Transfers

5

Solids, Liquids & Gases

6

Magnetism & Electromagnetism

7

Radioactivity & Particles

8

Astrophysics

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