Thermal Energy Pre/Study Guide

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

Thermal energy is the total energy of all the particles in an object, which is related to its temperature.

Front

How does thermal energy transfer occur?

Back

Thermal energy transfers through conduction, convection, and radiation.

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 happens to molecules when they gain thermal energy?

Back

When molecules gain thermal energy, they move faster and their kinetic energy increases.

Front

What happens to molecules when they lose thermal energy?

Back

When molecules lose thermal energy, they move slower and their kinetic energy decreases.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and thermal energy?

Back

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

Front

What is thermal equilibrium?

Back

Thermal equilibrium is the state in which two objects in contact no longer transfer thermal energy to each other, meaning they are at the same temperature.

Front

What is specific heat?

Back

Specific heat is the amount of thermal energy required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius.