Why heat moves through solids: the physics of thermal conduction
In short: This video from Khan Academy explores the fundamental principles governing how energy moves through matter. It provides a foundational look at motion, forces, and energy to help you understand the physical world.
Thermal conduction is the transfer of energy caused by temperature differences between adjacent parts of a body. This process occurs because molecules and electrons within a medium exchange energy with one another.
The rate of heat flow (H) in a rod is determined by its cross-sectional area, length, the temperature difference between its ends, and the material's specific thermal conductivity (k). Because heat naturally flows from higher to lower temperatures, this relationship is expressed as H = −k(A/l)(T2 − T1). For example, copper has a high conductivity of 0.093 kilocalories/second-metre-°C, while wood acts as an insulator with a value of 0.00003 kilocalories/second-metre-°C.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Thermal conduction | Thermodynamics | Physics | Khan Academy
- Also: Thermal conduction | Heat Transfer, Temperature, Conduction | Britannica
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