Thermal Energy

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

Thermal energy is the total kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, which is related to its temperature.

Front

What happens to thermal energy when matter is heated?

Back

When matter is heated, its thermal energy increases, causing the particles to move faster.

Front

What is absolute zero?

Back

Absolute zero is the theoretical temperature at which a system has minimal thermal energy, equivalent to 0 Kelvin or -273.15°C.

Front

How does thermal energy transfer occur?

Back

Thermal energy transfers from areas of higher temperature to areas of lower temperature.

Front

What is the difference between heat and temperature?

Back

Temperature measures the average kinetic energy of particles, while heat is the total energy of all the particles in a substance.

Front

What is conduction?

Back

Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy through direct contact between materials.

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What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of thermal energy through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) caused by differences in temperature.

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What is radiation?

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Radiation is the transfer of thermal energy through electromagnetic waves, such as infrared radiation.

Front

What is the significance of the second law of thermodynamics?

Back

The second law of thermodynamics states that thermal energy naturally flows from hot to cold, and not the other way around.

Front

What is specific heat capacity?

Back

Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius.