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 is heat transfer?

Back

Heat transfer is the movement of thermal energy from one object or substance to another due to a temperature difference.

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 parts of a fluid rise and cooler parts sink.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

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

Front

Give an example of conduction.

Back

An example of conduction is when a metal spoon gets hot after being placed in a hot pot of soup.

Front

Give an example of convection.

Back

An example of convection is the warm air rising from a heater and circulating around a room.

Front

Give an example of radiation.

Back

An example of radiation is feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin.

Front

How does convection work in a pot of boiling water?

Back

In a pot of boiling water, the water at the bottom heats up, becomes less dense, and rises, while cooler water descends to take its place, creating a circular motion.