Thermal Energy and Heat Transfer

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

Thermal energy is the energy that comes from the kinetic energy of atoms and molecules in matter.

Front

How does thermal energy move?

Back

Thermal energy always moves from a warmer area to a cooler area.

Front

What happens to a substance when thermal energy is removed?

Back

A substance might freeze when thermal energy is removed from it.

Front

What effect does removing thermal energy have on the vibration of atoms?

Back

Removing thermal energy from a substance causes its atoms to vibrate slower.

Front

What is a substance with a high heat capacity?

Back

A substance with a high heat capacity is a better insulator of thermal 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 and gases).

Front

What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of thermal energy through electromagnetic waves, such as sunlight.

Front

What is the difference between a conductor and an insulator?

Back

A conductor allows thermal energy to pass through easily, while an insulator resists the flow of thermal energy.

Front

What is heat capacity?

Back

Heat capacity is the amount of thermal energy required to change the temperature of a substance by one degree Celsius.