Everyday Science · 45 sec
Thermal conduction
The science behind something you encounter, use, or wonder about.
The useful idea
- The useful idea
Thermal conduction is the diffusion of thermal energy (heat) within one material or between materials in contact.
- How it works
The higher temperature object has molecules with more kinetic energy; collisions between molecules distributes this kinetic energy until an object has the same kinetic energy throughout.
- Why it matters
Thermal conductivity, represented by k, is a property that relates the rate of heat loss per unit area to its rate of change of temperature.
Why this matters
Look for Thermal conduction the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Try this
Look for Thermal conduction the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Test your recall
Which idea belongs to the explanation of Thermal conduction?
- The useful idea — correct
- How it works
- Why it matters
Thermal conduction is the diffusion of thermal energy (heat) within one material or between materials in contact.