Thermal Energy Transfer

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

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

Front

What happens to particles at the freezing point?

Back

At the freezing point, particles have low kinetic energy, but they still have some kinetic energy; they do not have zero kinetic energy.

Front

How does temperature relate to kinetic energy?

Back

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance; higher temperature means higher average kinetic energy.

Front

What occurs when heat is added to a system?

Back

When heat is added to a system, the particles in the system speed up, increasing their kinetic energy.

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 and density.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

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

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 is a measure of the average kinetic energy of those particles.

Front

How does the color of an object affect its thermal energy absorption?

Back

Darker colors absorb more thermal energy than lighter colors, which reflect more light.

Front

What is an example of conduction in everyday life?

Back

Walking on warm sand demonstrates conduction as heat transfers from the sand to your feet.