a change in temperature due to particles passing on their motion through the forces between them or by particle collisions

a substance through which thermal conduction happens quickly

a substance through which thermal conduction happens slowly

a layer of thermal insulator around an object to help maintain its temperature

Thermal insulators

Science

In the Particle explanations of density and pressure unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn how the arrangement and movement of particles in solids, liquids and gases explain density, pressure, floating and convection.

In the Solids, liquids, gases and changes of state unit, pupils learnt to categorise solids, liquids and gases, how the particles are arranged and moving in each state and what happens to particles during a change of state.

This unit explains energy transfer between objects due to temperature differences, through conduction or radiation, the role of insulators, and thermal equilibrium. It covers particle arrangements and motions in solids, liquids, and gases and Brownian motion.

Heating and cooling

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

As a hot object cools down, it {{}} its surroundings.

What do you call a material that is an extremely poor thermal conductor?

How many variables do you change during a fair test experiment?

When carrying out a fair test to compare different insulation materials wrapped around a hot drink, which of these are control variables?

trapped air is a very good thermal insulator

trapped air is a very bad thermal insulator

On a hot day, a wrapped ice lolly is covered with a woolly scarf. What will the effect of this be on the ice lolly, compared to one that is not covered?

What might the temperature be on a hot day?

What holds the particles in a solid in their fixed positions?

Heating a solid causes its particles to {{}} more vigorously.

Heating a gas causes its particles to {{}} more quickly.

pulling on each other with strong attractive forces

How do particles in a solid pass on vibrations to each other?

How do faster moving particles in a gas make other particles in the gas move more quickly?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz