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 are the three methods of thermal energy transfer?

Back

Conduction, convection, and radiation.

Front

Define conduction.

Back

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

Front

Define convection.

Back

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

Front

Define radiation.

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and thermal energy?

Back

As temperature increases, the thermal energy of a substance also increases.

Front

What is a good conductor of heat?

Back

A good conductor of heat is a material that allows thermal energy to pass through it easily, such as metals.

Front

What is an insulator?

Back

An insulator is a material that resists the flow of thermal energy, such as glass or styrofoam.

Front

How does a hot air balloon rise?

Back

A hot air balloon rises due to convection; the hot air inside the balloon is less dense than the cooler air outside.

Front

What happens to heat transfer between two objects of different temperatures?

Back

Heat will always transfer from the hottest object to the coolest object until thermal equilibrium is reached.