Every O-Level physics student is under the constant pressure of scoring an A* in the final examination. While physics can seem extremely difficult, you can score good grades by signing up for Noon’s live sessions. Conduction is an important physics topic that requires utmost attention from the student’s end.
It is a well-known fact that heat travels faster through metals than nonmetals. Many students are unaware of why metals are good conductors of heat. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the conduction of heat in metals and non-metals, and see why metal objects tend to be warmer than non-metal objects. Let’s dive straight into the details.
Conduction of Heat
Before we get into the details of heat conduction in metals, it is essential to gain an insight into the process of conduction. Conduction is the transfer of heat from one molecule to another. Upon heating, the molecules that make up the object begin to vibrate. These vibrations then shift to the molecules around them, and the heat spreads through the whole body. This process continues until the entire object is at the same temperature.
Conductors
Metals are usually good conductors of heat, which is why metal objects feel much colder or hotter than their surroundings.
Insulators
On the other hand, insulators are materials that do not conduct heat well.
Conduction is an important process to understand in physics as it has a wide range of applications, from cooking to engine design. By understanding how conduction works, we can better control and use heat energy.
Heat Conduction in Metals vs. Non-Metals
Do you remember how wood and cloth feel cooler than metal objects in a hot environment?
Heat conduction is the process of heat transfer from one region to another through direct physical contact. The rate of heat conduction is usually faster in metals compared to non-metals. It occurs because metals have a higher thermal conductivity than non-metals.
The thermal conductivity of a material is a measure of its ability to conduct heat. The type and structure of atoms that make up a material determine its thermal conductivity. Metals typically have a higher thermal conductivity than non-metals because of the arrangement of their atoms in a regular, repeating lattice structure. The lattice structure of metals makes it easier for heat to flow through the metal. In contrast, non-metals typically have a more irregular atomic structure, which hinders the heat flow.
Metals also have free electrons that gain kinetic energy upon heating which enables them to diffuse towards the cooler ends. As a result, heat conduction is usually faster in metals than in non-metals.
Examples of Metals as Conductors
What are the everyday applications of metals as conductors? As metals are good conductors of electricity and heat, they are useful for a variety of applications mentioned below.
- Electrical wiring is typically made from copper or aluminum. These metals have a low resistance, therefore, they can carry an electrical current without getting too hot. As overheating can cause fires, it is necessary to use low-resistance metals in wiring.
- In addition, cookware industries use metals due to their conduction properties. It allows food to be evenly cooked, preventing hot spots that can lead to burns.
- Metals are also present in many building materials, such as steel beams and reinforcement bars. Metals are durable, making them ideal for construction applications.
Download the Noon App today and attend our live physics sessions to learn more about conduction in metals and non-metals.