Chapter 5, Problem 28R

To determine

To identify: The objects in which minimal transfer of thermal energy takes place.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Thermal energy is the sum total of kinetic energy and potential energy of all the particles that constitute a system. It depends upon the temperature supplied to the object and also its mass.

Thermal insulators are the materials through which heat energy passes in a very little amount and also the transfer of thermal energy through these systems is a very slow process. These are the materials that are required to keep the body warm in very cold climatic conditions as they don’t allow heat to escape. Wood and air are two such daily life examples that act as thermal insulators and transmit the thermal energy very slowly through them. Actually, insulators are those materials that are poor conductors of heat and electricity as they don’t have loosely bound mobile electrons for conduction. While the conductors usually possess the free electrons in their outer bound shells which can easily take part in reactions and hence show thermal and electrical conductivity.

Conclusion:

Thermal energy is transferred slowly through a(n) thermal insulator.