Thermal and Kinetic Energy

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

Thermal energy is the total kinetic energy of all the particles in a substance, which is related to its temperature.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion.

Front

How does temperature relate to kinetic energy?

Back

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance; higher temperature means higher average kinetic energy.

Front

What happens to molecules when thermal energy increases?

Back

When thermal energy increases, molecules move faster and their kinetic energy increases.

Front

What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of thermal energy through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) caused by differences in temperature.

Front

What is conduction?

Back

Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy through direct contact between materials.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of thermal energy through electromagnetic waves, such as heat from the sun.

Front

What is the direction of thermal energy transfer?

Back

Thermal energy always moves from areas of high heat to areas of low heat.

Front

What is an example of conduction?

Back

An example of conduction is a metal spoon getting hot when placed in a hot soup.

Front

What is an example of convection?

Back

An example of convection is warm air rising and cool air sinking in a room.