Intro to 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 atoms and molecules in a substance.

Front

What happens to thermal energy when a substance is heated?

Back

When a substance is heated, its thermal energy increases, causing the atoms and molecules to move faster.

Front

What is the relationship between thermal energy and temperature?

Back

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the atoms in a substance, while thermal energy is the total energy of all the atoms.

Front

What type of energy is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion.

Front

What does it mean when a chemical reaction releases energy?

Back

It means that the reaction produces heat, which can be used to increase the thermal energy of other substances.

Front

How does thermal energy affect the state of matter?

Back

As thermal energy increases, substances can change state, such as from solid to liquid (melting) or from liquid to gas (evaporation).

Front

What is the average kinetic energy of atoms in a substance measured by?

Back

Temperature.

Front

What happens to the motion of atoms as thermal energy decreases?

Back

The motion of atoms slows down as thermal energy decreases.

Front

What is an example of a substance that absorbs thermal energy?

Back

Water absorbs thermal energy when heated, which is why it takes time to boil.

Front

What is the effect of thermal energy on the temperature of an object?

Back

As thermal energy increases, the temperature of the object increases.