Thermal Energy Transfer

Modes of Transport of Energy

1) Conduction
2) Convection
3) Radiation
4) Evaporation

Conduction-
Conduction is the form of heat transfer in which thermal energy passes through a substance
from particle to particle. Conduction occurs mainly in solids

Conduction occurs when thermal energy is transferred through the particles of a conductor,
mainly a solid. In particular, metals are good conductors hence they conduct thermal energy
much faster. Not all solids are metals and good conductors, particularly, the non-metals are
poor conductors and insulators and therefore are used to keep heat trapped.

Ex- Wood, cotton, wool.

Used in pan handles, polar animals, cold weather clothing’s fabric.

Particle theory

Thermal energy moves from one particle to the another neighbouring particle, hence it occurs
mainly in solids wherein particles are close together hence the thermal energy can be
conducted easily.
This happens because when thermal energy transfers to another particle it vibrates more than
before and the particles next to them vibrate even more and transfer the energy.
Liquids and gases are not good conductors of thermal energy because particles move around
in them and it is difficult to transfer thermal energy.
 Thermal Energy Transfer
Convection- HSLFCSCDS- He stocks lots of carrots so can drink soup.
Convection is a form of thermal transfer in which thermal energy causes a substance to
expand and rise. This then cools and sinks. Convection only occurs in liquids and gases.

When a fluid is heated, particles move faster.

When particles move faster, they spread out and become further apart.
When particles move further apart, the substance becomes less dense
Less dense materials float on materials with a higher density- the hot fluid floats to the top.
When hot fluid is at the top it cools
When it cools particles slow
When they slow down, they get close
The substance becomes denser
The substance begins to sink.

Convection current

Ex-
Convection occurs on heating of water.
Water is heated at the bottom, it moves faster and spreads apart, becoming less dense. Then it
rises. When it reaches the top surface of water it cools, slows down, becomes denser and
begins to sink,

Convection causes wind and air currents.

Convection is used by radiators.
 Thermal Energy Transfer
Radiation-
Radiation is a form of energy transfer in which thermal energy is released as infra-red
radiation. There is no change in matter for energy to transfer into this way.

Radiation is when the transfer of energy happens by waves in particular, the infra-red waves.
Because these waves have no mass, they travel at speed of light and transfer energy

Objects absorb energy from radiation. They also emit some energy in radiation.
Absorb – take in Emit- give out

Shiny white surfaces- worst at absorbing or emitting radiation.

- Insulating surfaces are shiny white.
- Aluminium foil

Dull black surfaces- best at absorbing or emitting radiation.

- Computer processors create heat, heat sinks because computers are black as all
energy must be emitted to make sure electrical circuits are not damaged.

Radiation is only heat transfer that can happen in a vacuum

Energy from sun reaches to us by radiation as space is a vacuum.
 Thermal Energy Transfer
Evaporation-
Evaporation is when a liquid turns to a gas, at a certain temperature below its boiling point.
An evaporating liquid takes energy with it and cools the evaporating surface, known as
cooling effect.

Water evaporates into vapour.

When liquid particles are heated, they move faster. When temperature of the liquid reaches
boiling point, all the particles have enough energy to leave the surface of the liquid and form
a gas, known as boiling.

Evaporation Vs. Boiling-

Evaporation Boiling
Slow Fast
Any temperature Fixed temperature
Cooling effect No cooling effect
Surface Phenomenon Bulk Phenomenon

Factors that affect rate of evaporation-

Increase in surface area  Increase in rate of evaporation

Increase in temperature  Increase in rate of evaporation

Prescence of wind  Increase in rate of evaporation

Lower humidity  Increase in rate of evaporation