Use the idea of a thermos flask to explain conduction, convection and radiation. Comment also how a thermos flask can reduce heat loss.

Conduction is the transfer of heat caused by the collision of particles inside a substance and between substances. In order to reduce heat loss, some thermos flasks have a vacuum between the container of the substance and the outside part of the flask, so no collisions can happen and no heat is lost.
Radiation is the emission of an electromagnetic wave due to the excited state of an atom. Except when the atom is at absolute 0, it will emit radiation. In order to prevent heat loss from this electromagnetic wave, thermos flasks are reflective inside, so all radiation is reflected inside flask.
Convection is the flow of heat due to the movement of a substance relative to its source. The air can only move within the thermos flask, because it is air tight, so it will not affect as a source of heat loss.

Answered by Felipe R. Physics tutor

8745 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

Sue's brother is on a sled on top of ice (assume no friction). Sue is pulling her brother with 15 N of force at a 38 degree angle above the horizontal. Calculate the work done if she pulls him for 50 meters.


Define simple harmonic motion.


How can an object in circular motion be accelerating when it's at the same speed?


What's the value of the normal force of a vehicle on a convex bridge? What about a concave one?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences