Why, in a thermal flask, does having a vacuum layer help keep the coffee warm?

Heat is transferred by 3 processes, conducation, convection and radiation. Having a vacuum layer stops heat being transferred away from the coffee by conduction. Conduction works by air molecules bumping into eachother and transferring some of the energy they have, therefore if you remove the air then you stop energy/heat being taken away in this way which helps keep the coffee warmer for longer.

BO
Answered by Benjamin O. Physics tutor

3572 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the kinetic model composition of a solid


Please describe the change in velocity of someone falling from a plane before they open their parachute


What is radioactivity?


Explain why a simple electric motor continues to turn in the same direction when there is a current in the coil (6 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning