and what causes some materials to transfer heat better?
2007-07-17 22:54:38 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
density
2007-07-17 22:57:44 · answer #1 · answered by unfulfilled 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Metal can conduct (transfer heat) more quickly and effectively because the electrons of the particles are free and can move throughout the metal, carrying the heat energy with them. Other materials like wood have electrons which aren't free to move within the solid and therefore wood can't conduct heat as well as metals can. That's why metals can feel cold to the touch - the heat from your hands is instantly conducted away whereas when you touch wood the heat isn't conducted away as quickly so you feel the heat of your own hand and the wood feels warm.
2007-07-18 05:59:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Materials transfer heat by conduction, convection and radiation. Conduction involves transfer of heat by electrons, convection by physical transfer of energy through molecular collisions and radiation through emission and absorption of radiation.
Some materials are good conductors because they have more free electrons.
Liquids and gases conduct heat through convection. Lighter gases and lighter liquids conduct heat faster because for a given temperature, the lighter molecules have higher velocities and thus move faster from place to place.
Radiative heat transfer depends on the surface and type of material involved.
2007-07-18 07:06:02 · answer #3 · answered by Swamy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the materials they are made from
2007-07-20 06:30:23 · answer #4 · answered by lolipop 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋