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Question A burning incense stick is fixed, pointing downwards. In which direction would the smoke from the incense stick move? Show the movement of smoke with a diagram.
The smoke from the incense stick will move in the upward direction because smoke is a mixture of hot gases and tiny solid particles. Since hot air rises due to convection, the smoke moves upwards.
Chapter 3: Heat
Heat is a form of energy that flows from hot to cold. Temperature measures hotness/coldness. Clinical thermometer (35-42 degrees C, has kink) and laboratory thermometer (-10 to 110 degrees C, no kink) are used for measurement. Heat transfers by conduction (solids), convection (liquids/gases), and radiation (no medium needed). Dark surfaces absorb more heat; light surfaces reflect more.
Theme: Physics | Difficulty: Age-appropriate for Class VII
Key Formulas & Equations
| Formula / Equation | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Normal body temperature = 37°C | Reference value |
| Clinical range: 35°C – 42°C | For body temperature only |
| Lab thermometer range: −10°C to 110°C | For experiments |
Must-Know Concepts
- Heat is energy (joules); temperature is degree of hotness (°C)
- Clinical thermometer has a kink; lab thermometer does not
- Conduction: heat in solids (metals are conductors, wood/plastic are insulators)
- Convection: heat in liquids/gases by particle movement (sea breeze, land breeze)
- Radiation: heat without medium (Sun to Earth through vacuum)
- Dark clothes absorb heat; light clothes reflect heat
- Wool traps air (insulator), does not produce heat
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing heat with temperature
- Thinking metals are "cold" — they conduct heat away from hand quickly
- Thinking wool generates heat — it only traps body heat
- Believing radiation needs a medium
Scoring Tips
- Compare clinical and lab thermometer in a table
- Draw sea breeze and land breeze diagrams with arrows
- Give 2 examples each of conduction, convection, radiation