Topic 4: Thermal Energy

Front

What is a convection current?

Back

A convection current is a circular motion of air or fluid caused by the heating and cooling of that substance, leading to the movement of warmer, less dense material rising and cooler, denser material sinking.

Front

What method of heat transfer occurs when a pot is placed on a hot burner and the water inside begins to boil?

Back

Convection.

Front

What method of heat transfer is experienced when a person feels warmth from a flame without direct contact?

Back

Radiation.

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

Thermal energy is the total energy (both kinetic and potential) of all the particles in an object.

Front

What is temperature?

Back

Temperature is the measure of the average energy of the particles in a substance.

Front

What is conduction?

Back

Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials.

Front

What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) caused by differences in temperature and density.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as infrared radiation, without the need for a medium.

Front

How does thermal energy relate to temperature?

Back

Thermal energy is the total energy of all particles in a substance, while temperature measures the average energy of those particles.

Front

What happens to the density of a fluid when it is heated?

Back

When a fluid is heated, it becomes less dense and rises, creating convection currents.