Thermal Energy

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

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

Front

What are conductors?

Back

Conductors are materials that allow thermal energy to pass through them easily, such as metals.

Front

What are insulators?

Back

Insulators are materials that slow down the transfer of thermal energy, such as rubber, wood, and glass.

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).

Front

What is radiation?

Back

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

Front

How does heat move from a warmer object to a cooler object?

Back

Heat moves from a warmer object to a cooler object until both objects reach the same temperature.

Front

What happens to molecules when they are heated?

Back

When molecules are heated, they gain energy, move faster, and spread apart.

Front

What happens to molecules when they cool down?

Back

When molecules cool down, they lose energy, move slower, and come closer together.

Front

What is the process of melting?

Back

Melting is the process where a solid turns into a liquid when it absorbs heat.