Thermal Energy

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

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

Front

What happens to thermal energy when a hot object is placed in a cooler environment?

Back

The thermal energy flows from the hot object to the cooler environment until thermal equilibrium is reached.

Front

What is conduction?

Back

Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials.

Front

What is convection?

Back

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

Front

What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as sunlight.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, which depends on the mass and speed of an object.

Front

How does temperature relate to kinetic energy?

Back

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance.

Front

What happens to the molecules of a substance as it heats up?

Back

As a substance heats up, its molecules move faster and spread apart.

Front

What is the difference between thermal energy and temperature?

Back

Thermal energy is the total energy of all particles in a substance, while temperature measures the average kinetic energy of those particles.

Front

What is an example of conduction?

Back

An example of conduction is touching a hot stove and feeling the heat transfer to your hand.