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Conduction
Conduction is thermal-energy transfer from a hotter region to a colder region without bulk movement of the material.
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Conduction
Energy passes from particle to particle through a material.
Recommended for Class 10
Conduction
Conduction
Conduction is thermal-energy transfer from a hotter region to a colder region without bulk movement of the material.
In solids, heated particles vibrate more strongly and transfer energy to neighbouring particles.
In metals, mobile electrons also transport energy efficiently, making metals generally good conductors.
Materials such as plastic, wood, foam and trapped air are relatively poor thermal conductors and therefore useful as insulators.
Example
A metal spoon left in hot soup gradually becomes hot along its handle.
The spoon has not moved along itself; thermal energy has been conducted through it.
Conduction — Advanced
Conduction occurs through microscopic energy transfer. In metals, mobile electrons provide an important additional energy-transfer mechanism.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistakes
- Mistake
Conduction does not require bulk motion.
- Mistake
Good thermal conductor ≠ good thermal radiator.
Revision Zone
60-Second Revision
Quick cues from this topic — use them for last-minute revision.
Conduction → no bulk movement
Metal → good conductor
Plastic/air → poor conductors
- Definition
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Practice
PQ
Q1. Define conduction.
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Q2. Explain why metals are good conductors.
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Q3. Explain why pan handles are often plastic.
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Q4. Explain the spoon example.
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Q5. Name two insulators.
Exam Practice
EQ
Q1. Define conduction.
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Q2. Explain conduction in solids using particles.
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Q3. Explain the role of free electrons in metals.
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Q4. Give two insulation applications.
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Q5. Compare conductor and insulator.
School-standard facts for Matric and Intermediate. Original explanations — not copied from textbooks.