Thermodynamics & Energy · GCSE Physics Topic 3 (Heat Energy Transfer)
Heat Transfer Mechanisms Simulator
Key exam takeaway: The classic thermos bottle defeats all 3 heat paths: vacuum defeats conduction and convection; silvered mirror walls reflect thermal radiation; cork stopper seals mouth convection.
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3D Simulation Stage● 60 FPS
Parameter Controls
°C
°C
Live Derivations & Metrics
Conduction Heat Loss
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Convection Heat Loss
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Radiation Heat Loss
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24-Hour Final Temperature
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Real-Time Formula Derivation
Governing Formula:
--Substitution:
--Regime: --
Worked Examples & Exam Question Deep Dive
Worked Problem
Problem: Why are heating radiators installed near the floor while AC cooling units are mounted high up on walls?
Step-by-Step Derivation:
- Exploits natural convection! Radiator heats low dense air so it rises. AC chills top air so dense cool air sinks, circulating room air.
Worked Problem
Problem: Across 150 million km of vacuum space, does solar heat reach Earth via conduction, convection, or radiation? Why?
Step-by-Step Derivation:
- Radiation! Conduction and convection require physical matter particles. Thermal radiation travels via electromagnetic waves across vacuum.
Student Inquiry Worksheet & Practice Problems
Q1. Variant 1: Why does a fluffy down jacket keep you warm in winter? What heat path does it block?
Answer Key: Traps vast pockets of stagnant air. Dead air is an outstanding thermal insulator; fiber pockets halt convection.
Q2. Variant 2: Why are astronaut spacesuits covered in bright reflective white fabric and gold-coated mylar?
Answer Key: To defeat radiation! Sunlit space hits 120°C; shadow plunges to -150°C. Mirrored gold films reflect >90% of solar radiation.
Q3. Variant 3: Why are skillet and frying pan handles made of wood or bakelite plastic?
Answer Key: Thermal insulator! Bakelite has low thermal conductivity, preventing dangerous conduction from the hot iron pan.
Frequently Asked Questions & Misconceptions
Between iron skillets and duck down, which is a good vs poor thermal conductor?
Iron is a good thermal conductor (free electron mobility carries heat rapidly). Air, feathers, wood, and plastics are poor conductors (insulators).
Is wearing light or dark clothing cooler in summer sunlight?
Light clothing! Dark textiles absorb almost all solar radiation, spiking temperature. White and light fabrics reflect most incident sunlight.
Does microwave cooking belong to conduction, convection, or radiation?
None of the classical three! Microwaves penetrate to excite water dipole molecular rotation directly throughout bulk volume.
Touching outdoor -5°C iron feels freezing, while -5°C wood feels milder. Is the iron actually colder?
Identical temperature (-5°C)! Hands perceive heat loss rate, not temperature. Iron rapidly siphons heat away via high conductivity.