Changes of State

Front

Thermal Energy Noun

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[thur-muhl en-er-jee]

Back

Thermal Energy

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The total internal kinetic and potential energy of all the particles in an object or substance.

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Example: Particles in a hot area move faster and transfer thermal energy to a cooler area.

Front

Temperature Noun

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[tem-per-uh-cher]

Back

Temperature

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A measure proportional to the average kinetic energy of the particles in an object or substance.

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Example: Particles in a hot area move faster than in a cold area, showing temperature differences.

Front

Kinetic Energy Noun

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[ki-net-ik en-er-jee]

Back

Kinetic Energy

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The energy an object or particle has due to its motion.

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Example: A cyclist gains kinetic energy as they move downhill, demonstrating energy due to motion.

Front

Potential Energy Noun

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[po-ten-shuhl en-er-jee]

Back

Potential Energy

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Energy that is stored in an object or substance based on its position or state.

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Example: A boulder on a hill has potential energy due to its elevated position.

Front

Heat Noun

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[heet]

Back

Heat

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The transfer of thermal energy between two objects or systems at different temperatures.

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Example: Heat flows from the hot red block to the cold blue block, illustrating thermal energy transfer.

Front

Melting Noun

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[mel-ting]

Back

Melting

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The change in state from a solid to a liquid, caused by an increase in thermal energy.

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Example: A solid cube changes into a liquid puddle, showing melting.

Front

Melting Point Noun

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[mel-ting point]

Back

Melting Point

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The specific temperature at which a pure substance melts.

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Example: The image shows a thermometer in ice, demonstrating how to measure the melting point.

Front

Freezing Noun

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[free-zing]

Back

Freezing

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The change of state from a liquid to a solid, caused by a decrease in thermal energy.

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Example: A liquid turning into a solid as thermal energy decreases.

Front

Freezing Point Noun

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[free-zing point]

Back

Freezing Point

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The specific temperature at which a substance freezes.

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Example: The image shows water freezing at 0°C (32°F) with thermometers and ice cubes, illustrating the freezing point.

Front

Vaporization Noun

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[vay-per-ih-zay-shun]

Back

Vaporization

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The general term for the change in state from a liquid to a gas.

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Example: Liquid water heated by the sun turns into vapor, demonstrating vaporization.