Thermal Energy Transfer Flashcard

Front

What is conduction?

Back

Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy through direct contact between materials. It occurs when heat moves from a hotter object to a cooler one through physical touch.

Front

What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of thermal energy through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). It occurs when warmer, less dense fluid rises and cooler, denser fluid sinks, creating a circulation pattern.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of thermal energy through electromagnetic waves. It does not require a medium to travel through, allowing heat from the sun to reach the Earth.

Front

What is thermal equilibrium?

Back

Thermal equilibrium is the state reached when two objects at different temperatures come into contact and exchange heat until they reach the same temperature.

Front

How does heat transfer from the sun to the Earth?

Back

Heat from the sun reaches the Earth through radiation.

Front

What is the difference between heat and temperature?

Back

Heat is the total energy of molecular motion in a substance, while temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules.

Front

What is an example of conduction?

Back

An example of conduction is a metal spoon getting hot from a boiling pot of water.

Front

What is an example of convection?

Back

An example of convection is warm air rising and cool air sinking in a room.

Front

What is an example of radiation?

Back

An example of radiation is heat from the sun warming your face.

Front

True or False: Heat and temperature are the same thing.

Back

False.