thermal 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 the molecules in a substance.

Front

How do molecules behave in hot substances?

Back

In hot substances, molecules move faster because they have more thermal energy.

Front

How do molecules behave in cold substances?

Back

In cold substances, molecules move slower because they have less thermal energy.

Front

What is absolute zero?

Back

Absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature, at which point the motion of molecules theoretically stops. It is 0 Kelvin or -273.15°C.

Front

What happens to thermal energy when heat is added to a substance?

Back

When heat is added to a substance, its thermal energy increases, causing the molecules to move faster.

Front

What happens to thermal energy when heat is removed from a substance?

Back

When heat is removed from a substance, its thermal energy decreases, causing the molecules to move slower.

Front

What is conduction?

Back

Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy through direct contact between materials.

Front

What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of thermal energy through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases) caused by differences in temperature.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of thermal energy through electromagnetic waves, such as sunlight.

Front

What is the direction of heat flow?

Back

Heat always flows from hot objects to cold objects.