Why, in a thermal flask, does having a vacuum layer help keep the coffee warm?

Heat is transferred by 3 processes, conducation, convection and radiation. Having a vacuum layer stops heat being transferred away from the coffee by conduction. Conduction works by air molecules bumping into eachother and transferring some of the energy they have, therefore if you remove the air then you stop energy/heat being taken away in this way which helps keep the coffee warmer for longer.

BO
Answered by Benjamin O. Physics tutor

3266 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A transformer has an input voltage of 4V, an output voltage of 8V and 50 turns on its primary coil. Assuming 100% efficiency, find the number of turns on the secondary coil.


What is electrical current?


What are the two types of waves and what are some of their uses/sources?


Explain in terms of specific heat capacity why a hot water bottle is good at heating a bed.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning