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

How does thermal energy move?

Back

Thermal energy moves from areas of high temperature to areas of low temperature.

Front

What happens to molecules when they heat up?

Back

When molecules heat up, they move faster and spread apart.

Front

What happens to molecules when they cool down?

Back

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

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 heat from the sun.

Front

What occurs during melting?

Back

During melting, a solid turns into a liquid as it absorbs thermal energy.

Front

What occurs during freezing?

Back

During freezing, a liquid turns into a solid as it loses thermal energy.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and thermal energy?

Back

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance; higher temperature means higher thermal energy.