Why does thermal energy transfer through a solid copper rod primarily by conduction rather than convection?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Particles in a solid vibrate about fixed lattice positions without fluid bulk movement
- Step 1: Conduction occurs when vibrating particles transfer kinetic energy to adjacent particles (and via delocalised electrons in metals). Step 2. Convection requires bulk fluid movement, which is impossible in rigid solid lattices. Answer: Particles in a solid vibrate about fixed lattice positions without fluid bulk movement. Why not the others: Radiation operates across vacuums; convection requires fluid density currents.
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