Read Heat: Transfer and Expansion Are Different Clues
Heat-conduction and expansion questions both involve heating, but they test different properties. Identify the observed effect before choosing the explanation.
Chemistry questions first require the material, particles or reaction condition to be identified before a formula or rule is selected.
Trace conduction
In a metal rod, heat travels from the hot point to cooler points by conduction. A thumbtack held with wax drops when enough heat reaches its position, so nearer positions generally drop first.
Interpret a bimetal strip
Two bonded metals expand by different amounts when heated. The strip bends toward the metal that expands less; this reveals relative thermal expansion, not relative heat conductivity.
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- ✓Locate the heat source.
- ✓Order positions by distance along the conductor.
- ✓For a bimetal strip, compare expansion rather than conductivity.
A bimetal strip bending does not prove which metal is the better thermal conductor.
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