Thermal Energy

A barefoot student steps on a hot concrete surface. Most of the heat transferred to the student’s skin by this contact is by the process of—

• convection
• conduction
• vaporization
• radiation

The diagram to the right shows a solid iron bar that is being heated in a flame. The primary method of heat transfer in the solid iron bar is—

• convection
• conduction
• absorption
• radiation

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS3-4

A student opens the top window and the bottom window in a hot room. What statement best describes the heat transfer occurring in the room?

• conduction
• radiation
• convection
• evaporation

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Why is there more thermal energy in an iceberg than in a pot of boiling water?    

• a.  The pot insulates the heated molecules
• b.  Most icebergs are fairly warm to the touch
•   c.  Icebergs contain many more molecules than pots of water
•   d.  Water does not hold heat very well

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

As the thermal energy of a substance increases, its particles spread out and the substance expands.

• True
• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

The particles of a gas move ____than the particles of the same substance in the liquid or solid state.

• faster
• slower
• same speed

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Thermal energy and temperature are the same.

• True
• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Which material is the best conductor of heat?

• glass
• styrofoam
• metal
• wood

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

The order of thermal conductivity, from best to worst, for three metals used in cookware is: copper, aluminum, stainless steel. Which of these three would be best metal to choose to make the handle?

• copper handle

• aluminum handle

• stainless steel

Answer explanation

Stainless steel would be the best because it heats up the slowest.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Why does a metal lawn chair get hot in the sun when the grass sitting in the same sunlight remains cool to the touch?

• Heat travels easily through plants but not metals.
• Heat travels easily through both plants and metals.
• Heat travels easily through metal objects but not through plants.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4