Thermal Energy 1

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 does thermal energy transfer occur?

Back

Thermal energy transfers through conduction, convection, and radiation.

Front

What happens to the energy of a substance when it is heated?

Back

The energy of the substance increases, causing its particles to move faster.

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).

Front

What is radiation?

Back

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

Front

What happens to molecules when a substance is heated?

Back

The molecules gain energy, move faster, and may spread apart.

Front

What happens to molecules when a substance cools down?

Back

The molecules lose energy, move slower, and may come closer together.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and thermal energy?

Back

As temperature increases, thermal energy increases; as temperature decreases, thermal energy decreases.

Front

What is thermal equilibrium?

Back

Thermal equilibrium is the state in which two objects in contact reach the same temperature and no heat flows between them.