Question
In which of the three states of matter do the particles transfer significant amounts of thermal energy by both conduction and convection?
Answer
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Lionel
Professional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
Liquid
Explanation
Conduction and convection are two key types of heat transfer, which happens in different states of matter. 1. Conduction: In solid state, the molecules are closely packed and they vibrate about their mean position. Thus, when one molecule gets heated, the nearby molecules also get heated due to the vibration caused by the former. This is how the transfer of thermal energy occurs in solids. Hence, conduction is a dominant mode of heat transfer in solids.2. Convection: In the case of convection, it is the primary form of heat transfer in fluids (liquids and gases). The particles in fluids, when heated, move from the hot region towards the colder region transferring heat with them, primarily through bulk motion and diffusion of particles.Reflecting on these statements, we can conclude that the only state able to transfer heat by both conduction and convection is the liquid state. In liquids, particles can move, contributing to the convection. And considering that they’re also tightly packed (though not as much as in solids), they’re capable of transference of heat through direct contact, or conduction.