One end of a solid non-metal insulator (such as a glass rod) is heated.
Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the conduction of thermal energy to the cooler end of the rod?
the physical migration of high-energy atoms along the rod
both the vibration of atoms within the structure and the diffusion of free electrons
the vibration of atoms within the structure only
the diffusion of free electrons only
301 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 2.3 Transfer of thermal energy, covering 2.3.1a Thermal conductors and thermal insulators, 2.3.1b Explaining thermal conduction, 2.3.2 Convection, 2.3.3a Thermal radiation, 2.3.3b Surface colour and texture, 2.3.3c Rate of emission and absorption of radiation, and 2.3.4 Consequences of thermal energy transfer. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.