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

3285 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What's the difference between a vector and a scalar?


How can an object accelerate without changing speed?


What is the difference between voltage and current?


Coal is a non-renewable energy resource. Name two other non-renewable energy resources.


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