Thermal Energy Make-up Test

What is thermal energy?

• The movement of air

• The heat energy of an object due to particle movement

• The temperature of a room

• The amount of light in a space

Answer explanation

Thermal energy refers to the heat energy of an object, which is generated by the movement of its particles. This makes the second choice the correct answer, as it accurately describes the concept of thermal energy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

How does a conductor transfer heat?

• By having particles that don't move

• By having particles that are far apart

• By having particles close together that vibrate and bump into each other

• By having no particles at all

Answer explanation

A conductor transfers heat effectively because its particles are close together. When heated, these particles vibrate and collide with neighboring particles, transferring energy through these interactions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

What do we call a material that doesn't let heat pass through easily?

• Conductor

• Insulator

• Thermometer

• Heater

Answer explanation

A material that doesn't let heat pass through easily is called an insulator. Insulators are used to reduce heat transfer, unlike conductors, which allow heat to flow easily.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

How can you tell that thermal energy has been transferred?

• The color of objects changes

• New substances are formed

• The temperature changes

• There are no changes at all

Answer explanation

Thermal energy transfer is indicated by a change in temperature. When energy is transferred, it typically results in an increase or decrease in temperature, making this the most direct evidence of thermal energy movement.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

What would be a good material to keep your hands warm in cold weather?

• A good conductor

• A good insulator

• A liquid

• A gas

Answer explanation

A good insulator is effective at trapping heat and preventing it from escaping, which helps keep your hands warm in cold weather. In contrast, a good conductor would allow heat to escape, making it unsuitable for warmth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

Why is a metal spoon a better conductor than a plastic spoon?

• Metal particles are closer together and bump into each other more when heated

• Metal particles are farther apart

• Plastic particles move faster

• Metal is always colder than plastic

Answer explanation

Metal is a better conductor than plastic because metal particles are closer together, allowing them to transfer heat more efficiently by bumping into each other when heated.

Which of these would be the best conductor of heat?

• Wool sweater

• Metal cookie sheet

• Styrofoam cup

• Wooden spoon

Answer explanation

The metal cookie sheet is the best conductor of heat among the options. Metals generally have high thermal conductivity, allowing heat to transfer quickly, unlike wool, Styrofoam, and wood, which are insulators.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

Why isn't air a good conductor of heat?

• Air particles are too close together

• Air particles are spread far apart and don't bump into each other easily

• Air has no particles

• Air particles don't move.

Answer explanation

Air is not a good conductor of heat because its particles are spread far apart, making it difficult for them to collide and transfer energy efficiently. This limits heat conduction compared to denser materials.

How do double-pane windows help insulate homes?

• They have two layers of extra-thick glass

• They have a layer of water between the glass

• They have a layer of air between the glass panes that slows heat transfer

• They let more sunlight in.

Answer explanation

Double-pane windows have a layer of air between the glass panes, which acts as an insulator. This layer slows down heat transfer, helping to keep homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer, making them more energy-efficient.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

Based on the information about different materials, which would likely show the least temperature change over time?

• Glass

• Metal

• Paper

• Styrofoam

Answer explanation

Styrofoam is an insulator, which means it retains heat better than glass, metal, or paper. This property allows it to show the least temperature change over time, making it the best choice among the options.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-3