Thermal and Kinetic 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 particles in an object.

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What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object due to its motion. The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has.

Front

What is an insulator?

Back

An insulator is a material that slows down or prevents the transfer of thermal energy. Examples include rubber, wood, and glass.

Front

What is a conductor?

Back

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

Front

What is heat?

Back

Heat is the transfer of thermal energy from a hotter object to a colder one.

Front

What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of thermal energy through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases). It occurs when warmer parts of a fluid rise and cooler parts sink.

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.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of thermal energy through electromagnetic waves. It does not require a medium, so it can occur in a vacuum.

Front

What is matter?

Back

Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.

Front

What is temperature?

Back

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