Particles in Motion

Front

Particle Noun

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[par-ti-kuhl]

Back

Particle

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A very small unit of matter that makes up all solids, liquids, and gases in the universe.

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Example: Shows how particles are arranged in solids, liquids, and gases, illustrating their energy levels.

Front

Random Motion Noun

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[ran-duhm moh-shuhn]

Back

Random Motion

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The unpredictable movement of particles in all directions and at various speeds, causing them to collide and mix.

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Example: Gas particles move in random directions, showing unpredictable motion in a container.

Front

Diffusion Noun

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[di-fyoo-zhuhn]

Back

Diffusion

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The net movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

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Example: Particles move from an area of high concentration to low concentration, illustrating diffusion.

Front

Kinetic Energy Noun

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[ki-net-ik en-er-jee]

Back

Kinetic Energy

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The energy an object or particle possesses due to its motion; faster particles have more kinetic energy.

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Example: A swinging ball in Newton's cradle shows kinetic energy as it moves and transfers energy to the next ball.

Front

Thermodynamics Noun

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[thur-moh-dy-nam-iks]

Back

Thermodynamics

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The branch of science concerned with heat and its relation to other forms of energy and work.

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Example: Particles move from a hot area to a cold area, showing heat transfer in thermodynamics.

Front

Joule Noun

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[jool]

Back

Joule

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The standard international unit of measurement for energy, work, and quantity of heat, symbolized as J.

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Example: A battery transfers energy to a light bulb, demonstrating energy in joules.

Front

Conduction Noun

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[kuhn-duhk-shuhn]

Back

Conduction

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The transfer of thermal energy between particles of matter that are in direct contact with each other.

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Example: Heating one end of a metal bar transfers thermal energy to the cooler end.

Front

Temperature Noun

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[tem-per-uh-cher]

Back

Temperature

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A measure of the average kinetic energy of the individual particles that make up a substance.

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Example: Particles moving faster in warmer areas show higher temperature due to more kinetic energy.

Front

Thermal Expansion Noun

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[thur-muhl ek-span-shuhn]

Back

Thermal Expansion

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The tendency of matter to increase in volume in response to an increase in its temperature.

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Example: Particles spread out as temperature increases, showing thermal expansion.

Front

Thermal Contraction Noun

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[thur-muhl kuhn-trak-shuhn]

Back

Thermal Contraction

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The tendency of matter to decrease in volume in response to a decrease in its temperature.

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Example: Molecules in a cooled liquid move closer, showing thermal contraction.