Thermal Energy

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What is thermal energy?

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

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What is conduction?

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Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials, where heat moves from the hotter object to the cooler one.

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What is convection?

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

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What is radiation?

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Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as infrared radiation, which can occur in a vacuum.

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What happens to warm air in convection?

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Warm air rises because it is less dense than cool air, which causes cool air to sink.

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What is an example of conduction?

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An example of conduction is touching a hot metal spoon in a pot of boiling water.

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What is an example of convection?

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An example of convection is the circulation of warm air in a room heated by a radiator.

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What is an example of radiation?

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An example of radiation is the heat from the Sun warming the Earth.

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What is thermal equilibrium?

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

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What is the role of insolation in thermal energy?

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Insolation refers to the amount of solar radiation received by a surface, which is a key factor in heating the Earth's surface.