Conduction
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What is Conduction?
Conduction is when thermal energy is transferred from an hot end of a substance to a colder end as the faster particles vibrate and pass on their extra energy to particle along the substance. All material are made of atoms and so, the higher the temperature, the faster the atoms move.
If one side of metal bar was heated, the atoms nearest would start moving faster and faster as they will have more kinetic energy because of the higher temperature. These atoms them vibrate and pass on their extra energy to the atoms around it. This is why a metal bar can become hot even when it is being heated on the opposite side.
Conductors & Insulators
Some materials allow thermal energy transfer through very quickly. These materials are called conductors. Metals are good conductors because they get warmed up quickly when heated. When the metal is heated, these electron gain energy so they speed up. This increase in speed makes them vibrate faster and the thermal energy is transferred rapidly.
On the other hand, some materials resist the flow of thermal energy through them. These materials are called insulators. Non-metals are good insulators and liquids are even worse at conduction of heat. Gases are the worst conductors of all because the atoms are so far apart that collisions are much rarer than in solids so the energy cannot be transferred as easily.
Using Insulation
If you live in a cold country, conserving heat means that you will have lower fuel bills. This can be done with insulating materials that can reduce the amount of thermal energy that is lost from the house.
The picture below shows some methods of insulation which might even be in your home:
1. Plastic Foam around the hot water tank
2. Glass or wool insulation in the loft
3. Wall Cavity is filled with plastic foam or wool.
4. Double-glazed windows: two sheets of glass with air in between.