One end of a metal rod is placed in a hot fire. At the atomic level, how does heat transfer down the length of the rod?

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Physics

Zoie

12 August, 15:05

One end of a metal rod is placed in a hot fire. At the atomic level, how does heat transfer down the length of the rod?

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Desiree · Answer 1

All metal atoms have mobile electrons, making them good conductors of heat. Heat is transferred as the free electons at the end that's being heated, rapidly move from atom to atom in the metallic bonds. This rapid movement of electrons allows for the transfer of heat energy from one end of the rod to the other.