Cambridge IGCSE Physics2.3 Transfer of thermal energy Checklist

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What's on this checklist

Core

  • I can describe experiments that show the properties of good thermal conductors and bad thermal conductors (thermal insulators).
  • I know that convection is an important method of thermal energy transfer in liquids and gases.
  • I can explain convection in liquids and gases in terms of changes in density, and describe experiments that illustrate convection.
  • I know that thermal radiation is infrared radiation, and that all objects emit it.
  • I know that thermal energy transfer by thermal radiation does not need a medium.
  • I can describe how surface colour (black or white) and texture (dull or shiny) affect the emission, absorption and reflection of infrared radiation.
  • I can explain some basic everyday applications and consequences of conduction, convection and radiation, including:a)heating objects such as kitchen pansb)heating a room by convection

Extended

  • I can describe thermal conduction in all solids in terms of atomic or molecular lattice vibrations, and in metallic conductors also in terms of the movement of free (delocalised) electrons.
  • I can describe, in terms of particles, why thermal conduction is bad in gases and in most liquids.
  • I know that many solids conduct thermal energy better than thermal insulators do, but less well than good thermal conductors.
  • I know that, for an object to stay at a constant temperature, it must transfer energy away at the same rate as it receives energy.
  • I know what happens to an object when the rate at which it receives energy is less than, or more than, the rate at which it transfers energy away.
  • I know how the temperature of the Earth is affected by the factors that control the balance between incoming radiation and the radiation emitted from the Earth's surface.
  • I can describe experiments to tell good emitters of infrared radiation from bad ones.
  • I can describe experiments to tell good absorbers of infrared radiation from bad ones.
  • I can describe how the rate at which an object emits radiation depends on its surface temperature and its surface area.
  • I can explain some complex applications and consequences of conduction, convection and radiation in which more than one type of thermal energy transfer matters, including:a)a fire burning wood or coalb)a radiator in a car