Mechanical Engineering Exam > Mechanical Engineering Questions > Metals are good conductors of heat because of...
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Metals are good conductors of heat because of
- a)all of the below
- b)their atoms are relatively far apart
- c)their atoms collide frequently
- d)free electrons are present
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Metals are good conductors of heat because ofa)all of the belowb)their...
- The thermal conductivity of the liquids is more than the gasses and the metals have the highest.
- Metals have valence electrons that are free to move around the surface. When heated, these free electrons collide with each other and the majority of the Kinetic energy is transformed into heat energy, making metals a good conductor of heat.
- In the gaseous state, the molecules of a substance are spaced relatively far away, and their motion is random. This means that energy transfer by the molecular impact is much slower than in the case of a liquid, in which the motion is still random but in liquids, the molecules are more closely packed. The same is true concerning the difference between the thermal conductivity of the liquid and solid phases.
Most Upvoted Answer
Metals are good conductors of heat because ofa)all of the belowb)their...
Metals are good conductors of heat because of the presence of free electrons.
Explanation:
Metals are excellent conductors of heat due to their unique atomic structure and the presence of free electrons. This characteristic makes them highly efficient in transferring thermal energy from one point to another. The main reasons behind this phenomenon are discussed below:
1. Atomic Structure:
Metals have a crystalline structure in which atoms are arranged in a regular pattern. This structure allows for the easy movement of atoms or ions, which facilitates the flow of heat energy. Unlike non-metals, such as plastics or ceramics, metals have a closely packed lattice structure with relatively large interatomic distances. This arrangement allows heat to be conducted more efficiently.
2. Presence of Free Electrons:
One of the key factors that contribute to the high thermal conductivity of metals is the presence of free electrons. In metals, the valence electrons of the atoms are loosely bound and can move freely within the lattice structure. These mobile electrons are not associated with any particular atom and are often referred to as "delocalized" or "free" electrons. They can move around the lattice and are responsible for carrying heat energy from one part of the metal to another.
3. Role of Free Electrons:
When heat is applied to a metal, the free electrons gain kinetic energy and start to move more vigorously. As a result, they collide with neighboring atoms and transfer their kinetic energy to them. These collisions cause the neighboring atoms to vibrate more rapidly, which leads to the transfer of heat energy from one atom to another. This process continues throughout the metal, allowing heat to be conducted quickly and efficiently.
4. High Thermal Conductivity:
The presence of free electrons in metals significantly enhances their thermal conductivity. These mobile electrons act as carriers of heat energy, allowing it to be rapidly transmitted through the material. This is why metals, such as copper and aluminum, are commonly used in applications where efficient heat transfer is required, such as heat exchangers, electrical wiring, and heat sinks.
In conclusion, metals are good conductors of heat due to their unique atomic structure and the presence of free electrons. These free electrons can move freely within the lattice structure and transfer heat energy through collisions with neighboring atoms. This characteristic makes metals highly efficient in conducting heat, which is why they are widely used in various heat transfer applications.
Explanation:
Metals are excellent conductors of heat due to their unique atomic structure and the presence of free electrons. This characteristic makes them highly efficient in transferring thermal energy from one point to another. The main reasons behind this phenomenon are discussed below:
1. Atomic Structure:
Metals have a crystalline structure in which atoms are arranged in a regular pattern. This structure allows for the easy movement of atoms or ions, which facilitates the flow of heat energy. Unlike non-metals, such as plastics or ceramics, metals have a closely packed lattice structure with relatively large interatomic distances. This arrangement allows heat to be conducted more efficiently.
2. Presence of Free Electrons:
One of the key factors that contribute to the high thermal conductivity of metals is the presence of free electrons. In metals, the valence electrons of the atoms are loosely bound and can move freely within the lattice structure. These mobile electrons are not associated with any particular atom and are often referred to as "delocalized" or "free" electrons. They can move around the lattice and are responsible for carrying heat energy from one part of the metal to another.
3. Role of Free Electrons:
When heat is applied to a metal, the free electrons gain kinetic energy and start to move more vigorously. As a result, they collide with neighboring atoms and transfer their kinetic energy to them. These collisions cause the neighboring atoms to vibrate more rapidly, which leads to the transfer of heat energy from one atom to another. This process continues throughout the metal, allowing heat to be conducted quickly and efficiently.
4. High Thermal Conductivity:
The presence of free electrons in metals significantly enhances their thermal conductivity. These mobile electrons act as carriers of heat energy, allowing it to be rapidly transmitted through the material. This is why metals, such as copper and aluminum, are commonly used in applications where efficient heat transfer is required, such as heat exchangers, electrical wiring, and heat sinks.
In conclusion, metals are good conductors of heat due to their unique atomic structure and the presence of free electrons. These free electrons can move freely within the lattice structure and transfer heat energy through collisions with neighboring atoms. This characteristic makes metals highly efficient in conducting heat, which is why they are widely used in various heat transfer applications.
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Metals are good conductors of heat because ofa)all of the belowb)their...
- The thermal conductivity of the liquids is more than the gasses and the metals have the highest.
- Metals have valence electrons that are free to move around the surface. When heated, these free electrons collide with each other and the majority of the Kinetic energy is transformed into heat energy, making metals a good conductor of heat.
- In the gaseous state, the molecules of a substance are spaced relatively far away, and their motion is random. This means that energy transfer by the molecular impact is much slower than in the case of a liquid, in which the motion is still random but in liquids, the molecules are more closely packed. The same is true concerning the difference between the thermal conductivity of the liquid and solid phases.
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