Why is metal a better conductor of heat than non-metals? In metals, apart from transferring heat energy by the relatively slow process of molecular collision, another faster process of free electron diffusion takes place. Metals contain free electrons that are mobile. When heated, these free electrons gains KE and will diffuse to the cooler end at high speeds. In the process, they will collide with atoms at the cooler end and transfer kinetic energy to them.
Energy transfer
The flow of energy from one region to another region is referred to as energy transfer. Since energy is quantitative; it must be transferred to a body or a material to work or to heat the system.
Molar Specific Heat
Heat capacity is the amount of heat energy absorbed or released by a chemical substance per the change in temperature of that substance. The change in heat is also called enthalpy. The SI unit of heat capacity is Joules per Kelvin, which is (J K-1)
Thermal Properties of Matter
Thermal energy is described as one of the form of heat energy which flows from one body of higher temperature to the other with the lower temperature when these two bodies are placed in contact to each other. Heat is described as the form of energy which is transferred between the two systems or in between the systems and their surrounding by the virtue of difference in temperature. Calorimetry is that branch of science which helps in measuring the changes which are taking place in the heat energy of a given body.
Why is metal a better conductor of heat than non-metals?
- In metals, apart from transferring heat energy by the relatively slow process of molecular collision, another faster process of free electron diffusion takes place.
- Metals contain free electrons that are mobile.
- When heated, these free electrons gains KE and will diffuse to the cooler end at high speeds.
- In the process, they will collide with atoms at the cooler end and transfer kinetic energy to them.
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