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
G3 Science (Physics) · Topic 8
Begin with the complete topic lesson. Then try a short check, use the feedback to review one idea and come back later for another attempt.
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, 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
- Energy transfers by heating from higher to lower temperature until thermal equilibrium is reached.
- Conduction in solids involves particle interactions; mobile electrons add rapid transfer in metals.
- Convection occurs when heating changes a fluid's density and produces a circulating flow.
- Thermal radiation is electromagnetic and needs no material medium.
- Compare radiation rate using surface colour and texture, temperature and exposed area, then apply the ideas to real devices.
Topic and syllabus information
Thermal processes is Topic 8 in K326 / K327 Physics component · 2027.
The lesson and questions stay at the depth required for this course.
Reviewed 9 Aug 2026
Course and syllabus information
- Course
- SEC G3 Combined Science Physics component
- Edition
- SEC G3 Combined Science Physics component 2027