Thermal Energy

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.

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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.

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What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of thermal energy through electromagnetic waves, such as infrared radiation, without the need for a medium.

Front

What is specific heat?

Back

Specific heat is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius.

Front

What does it mean if a material has a low specific heat?

Back

A material with a low specific heat heats up and cools down quickly, meaning it requires less energy to change its temperature.

Front

What is a conductor?

Back

A conductor is a material that allows thermal energy (heat) to pass through it easily.

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What is an insulator?

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An insulator is a material that resists the transfer of thermal energy, keeping heat from passing through.

Front

What is thermal equilibrium?

Back

Thermal equilibrium is the state in which two objects in contact with each other reach the same temperature and no heat flows between them.

Front

How does heat transfer occur between two objects?

Back

Heat transfers from the hotter object to the cooler object until thermal equilibrium is reached.