Thermal Processes - Y10C

Front

What are the three processes of thermal energy transfer?

Back

Conduction, Convection, and Radiation.

Front

What is conduction?

Back

The transfer of thermal energy through a material without the material itself moving, mainly occurring in solids.

Front

How do metals conduct heat?

Back

Metals contain free electrons that move rapidly and transfer energy more efficiently than vibrations alone.

Front

What are thermal insulators?

Back

Materials that inhibit heat transfer, such as polystyrene foam, wood, and wool.

Front

Give an example of conduction in everyday life.

Back

A metal spoon becoming hot after being left in a pot of boiling soup.

Front

What is convection?

Back

The transfer of thermal energy through the movement of fluid particles, occurring in liquids and gases.

Front

What creates a convection current?

Back

The warmer, less dense fluid rises while the cooler, denser fluid sinks, creating a continuous cycle.

Front

How does a sea breeze occur?

Back

Warm air over the land rises and cooler air from the sea moves in to replace it.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

The transfer of thermal energy by electromagnetic waves, specifically infrared radiation.

Front

How does radiation differ from conduction and convection?

Back

Radiation does not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum.