Mini Physics
Part of Mini EducationSwitch subject
Search
Exit to G3 Physics and O-Level Thermal Physics Hub

Thermal Physics Explorer

Compare heat-transfer processes, then move to heating/cooling curves to interpret specific heat, latent heat, and state change.

  • SEC G3 Physics 2027
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

Interactive stageLive model

Loading the interactive model…The interactive model did not load. Try again reloads this page; the explanation and worked content here are still available.

Change one variable at a time and watch the model respond.

View setup

Main mode
More controls
Rates and surfaces
120 W
0.6 kg
40°C

Thermal checkpoint

What to notice:

Prediction target:

      Practice run

      Choose a mode and checkpoint count when you want scoring.

      Run mode
      Try Thermal Quiz

      Choose your checkpoint count for guided or challenge mode.

      Study lensDistinguish conduction, convection, and radiation by the energy-transfer path.11 min activity

      Try this

      Switch view when stuck: if the process feels abstract, use the graph; if the graph feels abstract, trace the energy path.

      Learn to

      • Distinguish conduction, convection, and radiation by the energy-transfer path.
      • Connect specific heat capacity and latent heat to the shape of heating or cooling curves.
      • Interpret why temperature can stay constant while energy is still transferred during a state change.

      Exam transfer

      • Thermal processes
      • Graph interpretation

      Governing idea

      Heating without change of state uses Q = mcΔT; a phase change uses Q = mL. Transfer rate depends on temperature difference and the transfer mechanism.

      Model boundary

      Objects are treated as having uniform temperature with constant material properties. Unshown heat capacity and environmental losses are simplified.

      Avoid this trap

      Temperature measures thermal state, not the total internal energy stored. A larger cool object can contain more internal energy than a smaller hot one.

      How to explore

      Switch between transfer processes and heating curves so temperature change and state change stop feeling separate.

      Predict the outcome, change one variable at a time, then interpret the result. Completion records participation only and does not award mastery.

      About this activity

      Compare heat-transfer processes, then move to heating/cooling curves to interpret specific heat, latent heat, and state change. A text explanation and no-JavaScript route remain available.

      How this activity affects progress
      Course and syllabus information
      Course
      SEC G3 Physics
      Edition
      SEC G3 Physics 2027