Types of Energy and Thermal Energy Transfer

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 particles in a substance.

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 convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of thermal energy through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). It occurs when warmer, less dense fluid rises and cooler, denser fluid sinks.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

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

Front

How does thermal energy flow?

Back

Thermal energy flows from areas of higher temperature to areas of lower temperature until thermal equilibrium is reached.

Front

What is a thermal conductor?

Back

A thermal conductor is a material that allows heat to pass through it easily, such as metals.

Front

What is a thermal insulator?

Back

A thermal insulator is a material that resists the flow of heat, such as wood, plastic, or rubber.

Front

What happens to the thermal energy of ice when it melts?

Back

When ice melts, it absorbs thermal energy from its surroundings, causing the molecules to move faster and change from solid to liquid.

Front

What is an example of conduction in everyday life?

Back

An example of conduction is a metal spoon getting hot when placed in a pot of hot soup.

Front

What is an example of convection in everyday life?

Back

An example of convection is the warm air rising from a heater and circulating throughout a room.