Lesson T1.1.2

T1.1.2 Heating, conduction and radiation Quiz: KS3 Physics, Unit 1

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson T1.1.2, Heating, conduction and radiation: 20 multiple choice questions for the KS3 Physics (National Curriculum), Unit 1: Energy, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. Which process transfers energy through a solid without the material itself moving along?

    • Evaporation
    • Condensation
    • Conduction
    • Convection

  2. In conduction, how is energy passed through a solid?

    • Particles vibrate and collide with neighbouring particles
    • Particles emit infrared light and then absorb it again from the surrounding air
    • Particles move in circular currents that carry the energy around the solid
    • Particles change into a gas and then condense back into the solid form

  3. Which material is the best thermal conductor of these?

    • Plastic
    • Cardboard
    • Copper
    • Wood

  4. Why does the handle of a metal spoon in hot soup become warm?

    • The metal makes its own new energy
    • Friction inside the metal creates heat
    • Energy is conducted along the spoon by particle vibrations
    • Air trapped inside the spoon carries heat upwards

  5. Heat moves through a liquid or a gas mainly by which process?

    • Radiation
    • Convection
    • Insulation
    • Conduction

  6. Which process lets heat from the Sun reach Earth across empty space?

    • Convection
    • Conduction
    • Evaporation
    • Radiation

  7. Which surface is best at absorbing thermal radiation?

    • A smooth white surface
    • A dull, matte black surface
    • A polished copper surface
    • A shiny silver surface

  8. Why does warm air rise above a radiator?

    • It becomes less dense as it is heated
    • It becomes heavier as it is heated
    • Warm air attracts cool air towards it
    • Gravity pulls warm air upwards

  9. Why are saucepan bases usually made of metal?

    • Metals stop thermal energy from escaping
    • Metals conduct thermal energy quickly into the food
    • Metals produce their own heat when placed on a hob
    • Metals absorb sound so food cooks quietly

  10. Which energy transfer lets you feel warmth from a fire while standing some distance away?

    • Insulation
    • Radiation
    • Convection
    • Conduction

  11. Which statement about radiation is correct?

    • It needs direct contact between objects
    • It happens only in liquids
    • It can travel through a vacuum
    • It needs particles to carry it

  12. A pan handle should stay cool to touch. Which material is the best choice?

    • Wood
    • Steel
    • Copper
    • Aluminium

  13. Two identical cups hold hot water. One is shiny silver and one is matte black. Which loses thermal energy faster by radiation?

    • Neither cup loses energy by radiation
    • The shiny silver cup
    • Both lose energy at exactly the same rate
    • The matte black cup

  14. Why do vacuum flasks often have a silvered surface?

    • To reduce heat loss by radiation
    • To make the flask stronger
    • To increase heat loss by conduction
    • To stop air from being trapped

  15. Which type of wave is infrared radiation?

    • A stream of moving particles
    • A mechanical wave that needs particles
    • An electromagnetic wave
    • A longitudinal sound wave

  16. Which statement about convection is correct?

    • It needs a fluid whose particles move in currents
    • It needs no fluid at all, because the energy travels through empty space
    • It works best inside solids, where the particles are packed closely together
    • It only happens in a vacuum, where there are no particles to get in the way

  17. Which process needs a material to pass through?

    • Radiation
    • Sunlight reaching Earth
    • Conduction
    • Infrared emission from a lamp

  18. Why does a cup of hot tea cool down faster when its lid is removed?

    • Convection carries warm air away from the surface
    • Conduction carries heat upwards out of the tea only
    • Infrared is absorbed by the tea
    • The lid was reflecting radiation back into the tea

  19. Which of these is a good thermal conductor?

    • A wooden spoon
    • A polystyrene cup
    • A steel saucepan
    • A woollen jumper

  20. What is infrared radiation often used for?

    • Making metal conduct electricity
    • Thermal imaging cameras that detect warmth
    • Changing solids into liquids in a freezer
    • Carrying sound along a telephone line

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