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What is thermal energy?

Back

Thermal energy is the energy that comes from the temperature of matter. It is the total kinetic energy of the particles in an object.

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What is kinetic energy?

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Kinetic energy is the energy of an object due to its motion. The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has.

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What is conduction?

Back

Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy through direct contact between materials. It occurs when heat moves from a hotter object to a cooler one.

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What is convection?

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Convection is the transfer of thermal energy through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases). It occurs when warmer parts of a fluid rise and cooler parts sink.

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What is radiation?

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Radiation is the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves. It does not require a medium and can occur in a vacuum.

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What is a conductor?

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A conductor is a material that allows thermal energy or electricity to flow through it easily. Examples include metals like copper and aluminum.

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What is an insulator?

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An insulator is a material that slows down the transfer of thermal energy or electricity. Examples include rubber, glass, and wood.

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What happens to thermal energy when two objects at different temperatures come into contact?

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Thermal energy will transfer from the hotter object to the cooler object until they reach the same temperature.

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What is the role of temperature in thermal energy transfer?

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Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance. Higher temperatures indicate more kinetic energy and greater thermal energy.

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How does heat transfer in a liquid?

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In a liquid, heat transfer occurs mainly through convection, where warmer, less dense liquid rises and cooler, denser liquid sinks.