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CAIE IGCSE Physics Conduction Question Bank

Practise conduction experiments and particle explanations, comparing lattice vibration, mobile electrons and the insulating behaviour of non-metals and gases.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Physics 0625

Exam points

  • infer relative conductivity from melting wax, pin order or temperature-time evidence
  • explain conduction in every solid through neighbouring lattice vibrations
  • add delocalised-electron transfer for metals and contrast widely spaced gas particles

Covered syllabus points

2.3.1.1—Experiments to demonstrate the2.3.1.2—Thermal conduction in all solids in2.3.1.3—Describe, in terms of particles, why2.3.1.4—There are many solids that conduct

2.3.1 Conduction question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

Fig. 5.1 shows a cross-section of the inside of a vacuum flask containing a cold liquid. The walls of the vacuum flask are made of glass.

Fig. 5.1

Fig. 5.1

Suggest a suitable material for the stopper.

2.3.1 Conduction question 2

[Maximum number: 3]

Fig. 4.1 shows a metal pan on an electric hotplate. The pan contains 200 cm3200 \mathrm{~cm}^{3} of water.

Fig. 4.1

Fig. 4.1

The pan is heated. The temperature of the water in the pan increases.

Thermal energy is transferred through the metal pan by conduction.

State and explain the two ways that thermal energy is conducted in a metal.

2.3.1 Conduction question 3

[Maximum number: 6]

Fig. 5.1 shows two containers, each filled with hot water.

Fig. 5.1

Fig. 5.1

The outer surface of the metal container is hot.

Question (a)

(a)

Explain how electrons transfer thermal energy through the metal of the container.

[ 3 ]

Question (b)

(b)

The outer surface of the non-metal container is much cooler than the outer surface of the metal container.

Explain why a non-metal conducts thermal energy less well than a metal.

[ 1 ]

Question (c)

(c)

Explain, in terms of particles, why gases are poor thermal conductors compared to non-metal solids.

[ 2 ]
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