Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

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

Front

What happens to thermal energy when two objects at different temperatures touch?

Back

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

Front

What is thermal equilibrium?

Back

Thermal equilibrium is the state in which two objects in contact no longer transfer thermal energy to each other because they are at the same temperature.

Front

How does the size of an object affect its thermal energy?

Back

Larger objects have more thermal energy because they contain more particles, even if they are at the same temperature as smaller objects.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and 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 is conduction?

Back

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

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 and density.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

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

Front

Why does a larger bottom pan feel cooler than a smaller bottom pan when heated?

Back

The larger bottom pan feels cooler because the energy that transferred to it spreads out over more molecules, resulting in a lower temperature.

Front

What happens to the temperature of a hot object in a cooler environment?

Back

The temperature of a hot object decreases as it loses thermal energy to the cooler environment.