Kinetic Theory and Conduction

Kinetic Theory and Conduction

1. Solids

   • Strong forces of attraction keep particles close together in a fixed regular arrangement
   • The particles don't have much energy, they can only vibrate around their fixed positions

2. Liquids

   • Weak forces of attraction keep particles close together but they can move past each other and form irregular arrangements
   • The particles have more energy than those in a solid, they move in random directions at low speeds

3. Gases

   • Almost no forces of attraction, particles are not together
   • Particles have more energy than solid and liquid particles
   • The particles are free to move in random directions at high speeds

4. CONDUCTION OF HEAT ENERGY is the process where VIBRATING PARTICLES pass on their EXTRA KINETIC ENERGY to NEIGHBOURING PARTICLES

   • Conduction is faster in denser solids (usually), because the particles are closer together and will collide more often, passing energy between them
   • Conduction is slower in materials that have larger spaces between their particles, these materials are called insulators
   • Metals conduct electricity so well because electrons are free to move inside the metal (free electrons)
     • The free electrons move faster in the heated area and collide with each other more frequently, they then pas on their extra energy to the other electrons
       • This is obviously a much faster way of transferring energy through the metal