Thermal Energy & Temperature

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

Thermal energy is the total kinetic energy of all the particles in a substance, which is related to its temperature.

Front

What must be different between two substances for thermal energy to be transferred?

Back

Thermal energy is transferred between substances only when they have different temperatures.

Front

What happens to thermal energy when hot coffee is poured into a cold mug?

Back

Thermal energy from the coffee is transferred to the mug.

Front

What is absolute zero?

Back

Absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature, defined as 0 Kelvin (0 K), where all particle motion stops.

Front

What does it mean if two substances have the same average kinetic energy?

Back

If two substances have the same average kinetic energy, they will have the same temperature.

Front

What is temperature a measure of?

Back

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

Front

How does thermal energy relate to temperature?

Back

Thermal energy is the total energy of all particles, while temperature is the average energy per particle.

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.