Thermal processes
Thermal equilibrium, microscopic conduction, density-driven convection, radiation and everyday applications.
Learning goals
- Explain heating from higher to lower temperature until thermal equilibrium
- Describe conduction in solids through particle vibration and mobile electrons
- Describe convection in fluids through density changes and bulk motion
- Explain that energy transfer by electromagnetic radiation needs no material medium
- Explain how surface colour, texture, temperature and area affect radiation transfer rate
- Apply conduction, convection and radiation in everyday systems
G2 Science (Physics) · Topic 7
Read the complete lesson from top to bottom first. Pause for its examples and independent questions, then use a short topic check to decide what to practise again.
Before you begin
Build the idea in order
- Thermal equilibrium
- Conduction
- Convection
- Radiation and applications
Lessons
Thermal Processes
Thermal equilibrium, microscopic conduction, density-driven convection, electromagnetic radiation and everyday applications.
Check your understanding
Thermal processes topic check
Check the required topic capabilities and get focused practice for ideas that need another look.
What to remember
- Heating transfers energy from higher to lower temperature.
- Conduction in metals includes mobile electrons.
- Convection follows density changes in fluids.
- Radiation needs no material medium.
- Compare radiation by surface, temperature and area.
Topic and syllabus information
Thermal processes is Topic 7 in K223 / K224 Physics component · 2027.
The lesson stays within G2 depth and includes the explanations, examples and practice needed for this topic.
Reviewed 9 Aug 2026
Continue with the next resource in this course.
Course and syllabus information
- Course
- SEC G2 Science Physics component
- Edition
- SEC G2 Science Physics component 2027