Thermal Energy - Heat Transfer

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

Thermal energy is the energy that comes from the temperature of matter. It is the total kinetic energy of the particles in an object.

Front

What are the three types of heat transfer?

Back

The three types of heat transfer are conduction, convection, and radiation.

Front

What is conduction?

Back

Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials. It occurs when two objects at different temperatures touch each other.

Front

What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). It occurs when warmer areas of a liquid or gas rise and cooler areas sink.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves. It does not require a medium to travel through.

Front

Give an example of conduction.

Back

An example of conduction is when your feet get warm while standing on hot sand.

Front

Give an example of convection.

Back

An example of convection is a hot air balloon rising as the air inside it is heated.

Front

Give an example of radiation.

Back

An example of radiation is feeling warmth from the sun or a campfire without direct contact.

Front

What materials are good conductors of thermal energy?

Back

Metals, such as copper and aluminum, are good conductors of thermal energy.

Front

What materials are good insulators of thermal energy?

Back

Materials like wood, plastic, and rubber are good insulators of thermal energy.