Thermal Energy Transfer

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What is thermal energy transfer?

Back

The process of energy moving from one object or substance to another due to a temperature difference.

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What is convection?

Back

The transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) where warmer parts rise and cooler parts sink.

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What is conduction?

Back

The transfer of heat through direct contact between materials, where energy is passed from molecule to molecule.

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What is radiation?

Back

The transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves, which can occur in a vacuum.

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What are convection currents?

Back

Patterns of movement in fluids caused by the rising of warm fluid and the sinking of cooler fluid.

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True or False: Metal objects heat up more slowly than plastic or wooden objects.

Back

False. Metal objects heat up more quickly due to their higher thermal conductivity.

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What is thermal conductivity?

Back

A measure of a material's ability to conduct heat; higher values indicate better heat conduction.

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What is an example of conduction?

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Heating one end of a metal rod and feeling the other end become warm.

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What is an example of convection?

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The warm water rising and cool water sinking in a pot being heated on a stove.

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What is an example of radiation?

Back

Feeling warmth from the sun on your skin, even though the air around you is cool.