Conduction and Diffusion: Two Sides of Heat Transfer?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relationship between conduction and diffusion in the context of heat transfer, exploring whether they represent the same process and how they differ at a microscopic level.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if conduction and diffusion are the same process in heat transfer.
  • Another participant suggests that the inquiry may relate to the physical properties of thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity.
  • A different participant clarifies that while thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity are distinct properties, they seek to understand the differences in the processes of conduction and diffusion at a microscopic level.
  • It is noted that diffusion of heat typically refers to the spreading of heat through various mechanisms, including conduction, convection, or radiation, while conduction specifically involves heat transfer through direct contact between bodies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between conduction and diffusion, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding their equivalence as processes.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the terms involved, and there are unresolved aspects regarding the microscopic mechanisms of conduction and diffusion.

Dhananjay Singh
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In context of heat transfer, are conduction and diffusion same process?
 
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Are you asking about the physical properties Thermal Conductivity and Thermal Diffusivity?
 
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Chestermiller said:
Are you asking about the physical properties Thermal Conductivity and Thermal Diffusivity?
No, I know thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity are different physical properties. Thermal diffusivity is the ratio of thermal conductivity of material to the product of its density & specific heat capacity. I want to know about the difference in the process (at microscopic level) and definition of Conduction & Diffusion.
 
Dhananjay Singh said:
In context of heat transfer, are conduction and diffusion same process?
Diffusion of heat usually means spreading of heat to a wider volume either through any or all of heat transfer mechanisms i.e conduction, convection or radiation.

Conduction is one of the three mechanisms of heat transfer that happens through static physical contact between two or more bodies.
 
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thank you for the most reasonable answer. :smile:
 

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