What is Conduction?
Conduction is the transfer of heat or electricity through a material without any movement of the material itself. It occurs mainly in solids, where the atoms and molecules are closely packed together, allowing for the transfer of energy from one particle to another.
Examples of Conduction
1. When you touch a hot pan, the heat is transferred from the pan to your hand through conduction.
2. Metal spoons left in a hot bowl of soup will quickly become hot to the touch due to conduction.
Case Studies on Conduction
A study conducted by researchers at a university found that materials with high thermal conductivity, such as metals, are better conductors of heat than materials with low thermal conductivity, such as wood. This has important implications for the design of cooling systems and heat sinks.
Statistics on Conduction
According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical conduction is a leading cause of residential fires in the United States, accounting for over 50,000 fires each year.