How Conduction Works
C
onduction is the transfer of heat or electricity from two substances that
are in direct contact (that is, touching one another). Different materials
have different properties, which makes some better conductors than others.
If we zoom in on an object, we will see that it is made up of closely
packed individual atoms. These individual atoms, in turn, are made up of a
nucleus surrounded by layers of electrons.
In metals and other good conductors, the last layer of electrons
– also known as the “valence electrons” – are very loosely held together.
These electrons are so loosely held together that they are considered
“free electrons” since they are free to move around in the space between
neighboring atoms.
Normally, these free electrons just move around with no particular
direction. But they can also be made to move around in an orderly way
through a conductive material. Just like water flowing through an empty
pipe, electrons are also able to move within the empty space within the
atoms of a conductor. This orderly flow of electrons is what we call
electricity, or electric current.
As each electron moves through the atoms in a conductor, it pushes the
one ahead of it so that all the electrons move together as a group. Imagine
a pipe filled with marbles. The pipe is the conductor, while the marbles are
the electrons.
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If a single marble is inserted into the left side of the pipe, it creates a
chain reaction and another marble immediately exits on the right side of the
pipe. Even though each marble traveled only a short distance, the transfer of
motion through the pipe happens almost instantly, no matter how long the
pipe is.
If we want electrons to flow in a certain direction to a certain place, we
must provide a path for them to move, just as a plumber must install piping
to get water to flow where he or she wants it to flow.
Remember that electrons can flow only when they can move in the space
between the neighboring atoms of a conductor. This means that conduction
can only happen when there is an unbroken path provided by the conductive
material, providing a way for the electrons to travel through.
Sources:
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/conins.html
www.allaboutcircuits.com
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WORD FIND
ACTIVITY 1: Conduction
Identify what are being described by the following sentences. Find the
answers in the box.
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1.
Transfer of heat or electricity from two substances that are in direct
contact.
2-3. Individual atoms are made up of a ________ surrounded by layers
of ________.
4.
Valence electrons are also called ______ electrons because they can
move around in the spaces between neighboring atoms.
5.
The orderly flow of electrons is called electric current or ________.
6-7. As each electron moves through the atoms in a __________, it
pushes the one ahead so all the electrons move together as a ______
___.
8.
If we want electrons to flow in a certain place, we must provide a
______ for them to move.
Answers:
1- conduction
2- nucleus
3- electrons
4- free
5- electricity
6- conductor
7- group
8- path
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Vol. 22 No. 4
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