Heat Transfer Interactive Simulation

Heat flows from warmer objects to cooler objects by conduction. This model uses a signed rate Q ∝ k·(T_L − T_R): positive values and a right arrow mean left-to-right flow; negative values and a left arrow mean right-to-left flow. At equal temperatures, flow stops — thermal equilibrium. Students can change left temperature and right temperature and compare what happens. Use it for physics inquiry with Grades 4–5, Middle School, and High School on a projector or student device.

Standards: NGSS MS-PS3-3, 4-PS3-2

• How a larger temperature difference drives faster heat flow
• Why metals (high k) conduct heat quickly while wood (low k) insulates
• How the sign and arrow reverse when the right side is warmer
• What happens when both sides reach the same temperature
• How insulation (reducing k) slows heat loss from a building

1. 1Predict how changing left temperature will affect the temperature difference (l − r), then test the prediction.
2. 2Use evidence from the live calculation and visual to explain the result.

Questions teachers ask