Thermal and Kinetic 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 is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object due to its motion, calculated as 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Front

What are the three methods of thermal energy transfer?

Back

The three methods of thermal energy transfer are conduction, convection, and radiation.

Front

What is conduction?

Back

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

Front

What is convection?

Back

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

Front

What is radiation?

Back

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

Front

What is a conductor?

Back

A conductor is a material that allows the easy transfer of thermal energy, such as metals like copper.

Front

What is an insulator?

Back

An insulator is a material that slows down the transfer of thermal energy, such as rubber or glass.

Front

How does heat transfer occur between two objects at different temperatures?

Back

Heat transfers from the object with a higher temperature to the object with a lower temperature until thermal equilibrium is reached.

Front

What is thermal equilibrium?

Back

Thermal equilibrium is the state in which two objects in contact with each other reach the same temperature and no heat flows between them.