AQA GCSE Physics · 8463
Specification 4.1.2.1 · Paper 1
Loading…
GCSE Physics · key term
A material that reduces the rate at which thermal energy is transferred.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Specification 4.1.2.1 · Paper 1
Specification 3.10, 14.10 · Paper 1, Paper 2
A material that reduces the rate of thermal energy transfer because it has a low thermal conductivity.
A material with low thermal conductivity transfers energy more slowly and is therefore a good thermal insulator. Using a low-conductivity material in a wall reduces the energy transferred to the outside each second, so the building cools more slowly. Materials containing pockets of trapped air can be effective insulators because air has a low thermal conductivity.
Create a free account to read GCSE Physics revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.
A material through which energy is transferred slowly by conduction.