SOR 4:3

​Thermal Energy Transfer
Science of Reading
Module 4:3

The Earth’s interior is made up of layers, and at the very bottom, there is something called magma. Magma is hot, melted rock that can rise toward the Earth's surface. When magma reaches the surface, it cools down and forms lava, which can create new landforms (like volcanoes). The Earth has different ways to move heat, or transfer energy. One common method of energy transfer is through 
electromagnetic waves. These waves carry energy from the Sun to the Earth, and they travel through space without needing a medium like air or water. The Sun's energy is what helps keep our planet warm and supports life. In nature, things always try to reach a balance called equilibrium. For example, the heat from the Sun causes air to warm up, and that warm air rises. As it rises, cooler air moves in to take its place, creating wind. This balance between warm and cool air helps keep Earth's temperature stable.

The Earth's natural system of transferring heat through electromagnetic waves and convection keeps our planet in a state of equilibrium, making it a place where life can thrive.

​1. Magma

Morphology: magm- (Greek: thick unguent or paste) + -a (noun ending)

Definition: Magma is hot, melted rock beneath the Earth's surface. It carries thermal energy that can transfer heat to surrounding rock.

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2. Lava

Morphology: lav- (Latin: to wash or flow) + -a (noun ending)

Definition: Lava is magma that has reached Earth's surface, where it cools and transfers thermal energy to the air and ground.

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3. Transfer

Morphology: trans- (Latin: across) + fer- (Latin: to carry)

Definition: Transfer means moving energy from one place to another, like heat moving from magma to surrounding rock.

​4. Method

Morphology: meta- (Greek: after, beyond) + hodos (Greek: way or path)

Definition: A method is a specific way or process for transferring heat, like conduction, convection, or radiation.

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5. Electromagnetic Waves

Morphology: electro- (Greek: relating to electricity) + magnetic (Greek: related to magnets) + waves (Old English: moving ridges)

Definition: Electromagnetic waves are energy waves, like sunlight, that transfer heat through radiation without needing matter.

​6. Equilibrium

Morphology: equi- (Latin: equal) + libra (Latin: balance) + -ium (noun ending)

Definition: Equilibrium is when thermal energy is balanced, meaning objects in contact reach the same temperature.

7. System

Morphology: syn- (Greek: together) + histanai (Greek: to cause to stand)

Definition: A system is a group of objects that interact, like the Earth's atmosphere and surface transferring heat.

Multiple Choice

Which type of heat transfer uses electromagnetic waves?

• Conduction

• Convection

• Radiation

• Insulation

Multiple Choice

Thermal equilibrium occurs when:

• Heat moves continuously in one direction

• Heat transfer stops because temperatures are equal

• The hotter object keeps getting hotter

• The colder object stops changing temperature

Multiple Choice

In thermal energy transfer, what is a system?

• A group of objects exchanging heat

• A single object alone

• A random process

• A type of machine

Multiple Choice

A scientist studying heat transfer would be interested in:

• Creating new forms of energy

• Stopping all heat from moving

• Methods of moving thermal energy

• Ways to make objects colder only

Multiple Choice

What does "transfer" mean in thermal energy?

• To create new heat

• To move heat from one object to another

• To make something cold

• To prevent heat from moving

Multiple Choice

Lava is different from magma because:

• It is only found deep in the Earth

• It has reached the surface

• It is a type of gas

• It never cools down

Multiple Choice

Where is magma found?

• Above Earth's surface

• Below Earth's surface

• In the ocean

• In glaciers