Thermal Energy

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What is thermal energy?

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

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What is conduction?

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Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials, where heat moves from the hotter object to the cooler one.

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What is convection?

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Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases), where warmer areas of a fluid rise and cooler areas sink.

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What is radiation?

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Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as sunlight, which can travel through a vacuum.

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What is an insulator?

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An insulator is a material that does not conduct heat well, minimizing the transfer of thermal energy.

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What is a conductor?

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A conductor is a material that allows heat to flow through it easily, facilitating the transfer of thermal energy.

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What is temperature?

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Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, indicating how hot or cold it is.

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How do insulators affect thermal energy transfer?

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Insulators minimize thermal energy transfer, keeping heat from escaping or entering a material.

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How does conduction occur in metals?

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In metals, conduction occurs as free electrons move and transfer energy from hot regions to cooler regions.

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What is an example of convection?

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An example of convection is the heating of water in a pot, where hot water rises to the top and cooler water sinks.