Bill Nye: Heat

Front

What is conduction?

Back

Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials. For example, when a metal spoon is placed in a hot pot, the heat from the pot transfers to the spoon.

Front

What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). For example, warm air rising and cool air sinking creates a convection current.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. An example is the warmth you feel from the sun, even though it is far away.

Front

How do molecules in warm objects behave?

Back

Molecules in warm objects move faster than those in cold objects.

Front

How do molecules in cold objects behave?

Back

Molecules in cold objects move slowly compared to those in warm objects.

Front

What are the three ways thermal energy can transfer?

Back

Thermal energy can transfer through conduction, convection, and radiation.

Front

Give an example of conduction in everyday life.

Back

An example of conduction is when you touch a hot stove and feel the heat transfer to your hand.

Front

Give an example of convection in everyday life.

Back

An example of convection is boiling water, where hot water rises to the top and cooler water sinks.

Front

Give an example of radiation in everyday life.

Back

An example of radiation is feeling the heat from a campfire without being in direct contact with the flames.

Front

What happens to air when it is heated?

Back

When air is heated, it becomes less dense and rises.