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2.3.1a Thermal conductors and thermal insulators

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Question 5

Which of the following processes explains why metals conduct thermal energy much faster than non-metals?

A

Delocalised (free) electrons gain kinetic energy and diffuse rapidly through the metal lattice, colliding with distant ions.

B

Ions in the metal lattice expand, allowing convection currents to carry thermal energy from the hot end to the cold end.

C

Metals have a higher density, which prevents the lattice ions from vibrating and losing thermal energy.

D

Infrared radiation passes freely between the widely spaced atoms of a metal.

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2.3.1a Thermal conductors and thermal insulators Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /2.3.1a Thermal conductors and thermal insulators

67 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 2.3.1a Thermal conductors and thermal insulators. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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