Thermal Energy & Heat Review

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

Thermal energy is the total energy of all the particles in an object due to their motion. It is related to temperature and heat.

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What is heat?

Back

Heat is the transfer of thermal energy from one object to another due to a difference in temperature.

Front

What is conduction?

Back

Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials. For example, a metal spoon getting hot in a pot of soup.

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What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). For example, warm air rising and cool air sinking.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. For example, the warmth you feel from the sun.

Front

What is temperature?

Back

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in an object. It tells us how hot or cold something is.

Front

What is an insulator?

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An insulator is a material that does not conduct heat well. Examples include Styrofoam, rubber, and glass.

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What is a conductor?

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A conductor is a material that allows heat to pass through easily. Examples include metals like copper and aluminum.

Front

How does heat move from hot to cold?

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Heat naturally moves from areas of higher temperature to areas of lower temperature until thermal equilibrium is reached.

Front

What happens to particles when they are heated?

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When particles are heated, they gain energy and move faster, which can increase the temperature of the substance.