iGCSEPhysics2011

Convection, Conduction & Radiation

Convection:

Occurs in liquids & gases

Heat causes the fluid to move faster & spread out more
Therefore, it becomes less dense than the cold fluid and rises.

Conduction:

Conductor = allows heat to pass through them

One end of the conductor vibrates causing the rest to vibrate as the particles are all connected together.
In metals, there are free moving electrons able to transfer the energy very quickly
No particles = No conduction
Therefore, there is no conduction in a vacuum. i.e. it is the perfect insulator

Radiation:

Does not need particles

radiation is always given off from objects with heat as infra-red radiation

A dull/black object emits and absorbs more radiation. E.g. The surface of black tar roads gets far warmer than concrete
roads.
A shiny object is not a good emitter/absorber of radiation. E.g. Runners often wrap themselves in shiny blankets to prevent
them cooling down too quickly.
Insulators:

In buildings, walls & roofs are insulated to prevent heat loss. Walls often have something called cavaty walls installed
where there is a gap of air between 2 walls to act as an insulator.
In humans, we wear multiple layers of clothing to trap air in between as a form of insulation.