One end of an aluminum rod is heated. Which of the following describes the mechanism or mechanisms responsible for the transfer of thermal energy to the cooler end?
The physical migration of high-energy aluminum ions along the rod only.
The vibrations of aluminum ions in the lattice structure only.
The diffusion of free (delocalized) electrons along the rod only.
Both the lattice vibrations of aluminum ions and the diffusion of free (delocalized) electrons along the rod.
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.