Use the idea of a thermos flask to explain conduction, convection and radiation. Comment also how a thermos flask can reduce heat loss.

Conduction is the transfer of heat caused by the collision of particles inside a substance and between substances. In order to reduce heat loss, some thermos flasks have a vacuum between the container of the substance and the outside part of the flask, so no collisions can happen and no heat is lost.
Radiation is the emission of an electromagnetic wave due to the excited state of an atom. Except when the atom is at absolute 0, it will emit radiation. In order to prevent heat loss from this electromagnetic wave, thermos flasks are reflective inside, so all radiation is reflected inside flask.
Convection is the flow of heat due to the movement of a substance relative to its source. The air can only move within the thermos flask, because it is air tight, so it will not affect as a source of heat loss.

FR
Answered by Felipe R. Physics tutor

10643 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

How can an object in circular motion be accelerating when it's at the same speed?


What is the difference between the centripetal acceleration and the centrifugal force?


How do I calculate the speed of the International Space Station moving in a circular orbit around the Earth?


If an object going in a circle has a force acting on it then why is it travelling at a constant speed


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning