8 June 2009

Does conduction take place in Liquids & Gases?

Conduction does take place in liquids and gases but they are inefficient.The particles are spaced further apart than solids so collisions between particles are less frequent.Thus, the transfer of heat from molecule to molecule is slower. This explains why liquids and air are poor conductors of heat.

Question
All liquids are poor conductors of heat except molten mercury. Why?

Answer
Molten mercury is a metal in liquid form and it has properties of metals. For example, it has free and mobile electrons, which is a property of metals. Therefore, it is a good conductor of heat.


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