Fast and Curious - Thermal Energy

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

Thermal energy is the energy that comes from the temperature of matter. It is the total kinetic energy of the particles in an object.

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 and gases) caused by differences in temperature.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of thermal energy through electromagnetic waves, such as light, without the need for a medium.

Front

What happens to molecules when a gas cools down?

Back

When a gas cools down, the molecules contract and slow down.

Front

What is a conductor?

Back

A conductor is a material that allows thermal energy (heat) to pass through it easily, such as metals like copper.

Front

What is an insulator?

Back

An insulator is a material that does not allow thermal energy to pass through it easily, such as rubber or wood.

Front

How does thermal energy move?

Back

Thermal energy always moves from areas of high heat to areas of low heat.

Front

What is an example of conduction in everyday life?

Back

An example of conduction is when a metal spoon gets hot after being placed in a hot pot of soup.