Thermal Energy Transfer

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Heat Noun

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[heet]

Back

Heat

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Thermal energy that is being transferred from a warmer object or place to a cooler one.

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Example: Heat flows from a hot object to a cold one, shown with arrows and labels.

Front

Thermal Energy Noun

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[thur-muhl en-er-jee]

Back

Thermal Energy

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The total energy of all the moving particles that make up a substance or object.

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Example: Particles in a warm area move and transfer thermal energy to a cooler area.

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 in motion within an object.

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Example: Particles moving faster in a hot area and slower in a cold area show temperature differences.

Front

Law of Conservation of Energy Noun

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[law uv kon-ser-vey-shuhn uv en-er-jee]

Back

Law of Conservation of Energy

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The scientific principle stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only changed from one form to another.

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Example: Energy transfers between balls in Newton's cradle, showing conservation of energy.

Front

Conduction Noun

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[kuhn-duhk-shuhn]

Back

Conduction

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The transfer of heat energy through direct contact, where particles collide with one another.

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

Front

Radiation Noun

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[rey-dee-ey-shuhn]

Back

Radiation

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The transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves, which can travel through empty space without a medium.

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Example: Energy from the Sun travels to Earth through electromagnetic waves, showing radiation.

Front

Convection Noun

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[kuhn-vek-shuhn]

Back

Convection

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The transfer of heat by the movement of fluids, where warmer material rises and cooler material sinks.

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Example: Warm water rises and cool water sinks, creating a circular flow in the pot.

Front

Fluids Noun

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[floo-ids]

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Fluids

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Substances, such as liquids and gases, that can flow because their particles are able to move past each other.

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Example: Particles in a liquid can move past each other, allowing them to mix and flow.

Front

Convection Cycle Noun

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[kuhn-vek-shuhn sy-kuhl]

Back

Convection Cycle

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The circular motion in a fluid caused by the rising of warmer, less dense fluid and sinking of cooler, denser fluid.

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Example: Warm water rises and cool water sinks, creating a circular motion in the pot.

Front

Insulator Noun

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[in-suh-ley-ter]

Back

Insulator

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A material that resists or slows down the flow of heat, electricity, or sound.

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Example: A vacuum flask uses a vacuum to slow heat transfer, acting as an insulator.