Through a solid: conduction
A steel spoon and a wooden spoon stand in hot dal. Which handle gets warm?
Step 1 of 4
- A steel spoon and a wooden spoon stand in hot dal.
- The ends in the dal get hot.
- In the steel spoon, heat moves up, bit by bit.
- The steel handle gets warm. The wooden handle stays cooler.
The steel handle gets warm. Steel passes heat along easily.
Three new words
- Conduction — heat passing from one part to the next, with nothing moving. Conduction is best in solids.
- Conductor — lets heat pass easily. Metals: steel, copper, aluminium.
- Insulator — a poor conductor. It lets little heat pass. Wood, plastic, cloth, air.
| Part of a pan | Made of | Why |
|---|---|---|
| the base | steel, aluminium | good conductor: heats the food |
| the handle | wood, plastic | insulator: keeps your hand safe |
The rule
In a solid, heat moves along the material. The solid stays in place. This is conduction. Metals are good conductors. Wood and plastic are insulators.
Watch out!
A steel tumbler and a clay pot stand in one room. Both are at the same temperature. A thermometer shows the same number. Steel feels colder because it takes heat from your hand faster.
Now try it. Sort seven everyday things.
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