Conduction
This type of material slows conduction because it traps air.
Insulators
When air is heated, what happens to its density?
It decreases
Radiation can move through this and convection and conduction cannot
Vacuum
What does temperature measure about the particles of substances?
The average kinetic energy of particles.
Why are oven mitts thick and padded?
They reduce conduction, or they insulate heat
Why does a metal spoon feel colder than a wooden spoon at the same temperature?
Because metal conducts heat away from your hand faster.
What is the circular movement of warm rising and cool sinking air called?
Convection current.
Why does black clothing makes you sweat more that white clothing?
Which has more thermal energy: a cup of boiling water or a swimming pool at 30°C?
The swimming pool.
Why does hot air collect near the ceiling?
Because of convection, hot air rises.
Any example that implies touching something and heat is transferred
Draw on the board what happens inside a boiling pot of water that heats the water up
The drawing shows how hot water rises and cold water sinks inside the pot
You are designing a roof for a very hot desert climate.
Would you paint it black or white? Why?
White reflects radiation.
Black absorbs radiation.
Explain the difference between heat and temperature without using scientific words, as if your explaining it to a elementary student
Main concept to be explained: Besides the temperature, thermal energy depends on the amount of matter of the object.
Why do houses in cold climates have double-pane windows?
Air trapped between panes reduces conduction and convection.
Two students wrap a hot cup:
• Student A uses aluminum foil only.
• Student B uses cotton and cardboard.
Whose cup stays hot longer? Explain why using particle motion.
Cotton/cardboard insulate by trapping air (poor conductor).
Foil conducts heat easily.
You open the freezer door and feel cold air near your feet. Why?
Cold air is denser and sinks.
Convection causes it to move downward.
Two identical houses are built in the same sunny climate:
• House A has dark asphalt shingles.
• House B has reflective white metal roofing.
Which house will likely have lower indoor temperatures during summer?
Explain using radiation concepts.
House B will stay cooler.
White/reflective surfaces reflect more incoming solar radiation.
Dark surfaces absorb more radiation and convert it to thermal energy.
You touch a metal desk and a wooden desk in the same room.
Both are 22°C.
Which feels colder and why is that NOT a temperature difference?
Metal feels colder because it transfers heat faster.
Temperature is the same, heat transfer rate is different.
A classroom gets very hot in the afternoon because sunlight enters through large windows.
Design ONE modification that reduces the temperature and explain which type of heat transfer you are reducing.
Possible answers:
Reflective blinds → reduces radiation
Double-pane windows → reduces conduction & convection
Light-colored curtains → reflect radiation
Insulated walls → reduce conduction
The key is they must name the heat transfer type.