Thermal Conduction

Key Stage 3

Conduction is when thermal energy passes along a material from the hotter region to the cooler region.


Grey represents the metal bar at a cold temperature. The yellow represents the highest temperature and red represents a temperature between yellow and grey.

Of the three states of matter, solids are the best conductors of thermal energy. Solids are better thermal conductors because the particles are touching one another allowing them to pass on their energy quickly.

Metals are better thermal conductors than non-metals because metals have free electrons that can pass along thermal energy.

Conduction is when thermal energy passes along a material from the hotter region to the cooler region.


Grey represents the metal bar at a cold temperature. The yellow represents the highest temperature and red represents a temperature between yellow and grey.

Of the three states of matter, solids are the best conductors of thermal energy. Solids are better thermal conductors because the particles are touching one another allowing them to pass on their energy quickly.

Metals are better thermal conductors than non-metals because metals have free electrons that can pass along thermal energy.