Thermal Energy Unit Study Guide

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

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

Front

How do molecules behave in hot substances?

Back

In hot substances, molecules move faster due to increased thermal energy.

Front

What happens when two samples at different temperatures come into contact?

Back

The faster-moving molecules from the hotter sample transfer kinetic energy to the slower-moving molecules of the cooler sample.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and molecular motion?

Back

As temperature increases, the motion of molecules increases, leading to higher thermal energy.

Front

What occurs at thermal equilibrium?

Back

At thermal equilibrium, two objects in contact reach the same temperature, and there is no net transfer of thermal energy between them.

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 or gases) caused by differences in temperature.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of thermal energy through electromagnetic waves, such as heat from the sun.

Front

How does a cool washcloth help reduce a fever?

Back

A cool washcloth absorbs heat from the skin, transferring kinetic energy from the faster-moving molecules of the skin to the slower-moving molecules of the washcloth.