Heat Transfer and Thermal Concepts

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Conduction

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The transfer of heat through direct contact between particles of matter. Example: a metal spoon getting hot in a pot of soup.

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Convection

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The transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). Example: warm air rising and cool air sinking in a room.

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Radiation

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The transfer of heat through waves of energy, without needing matter. Example: feeling the warmth of the Sun on your skin.

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Thermal Equilibrium

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When two objects at different temperatures come into contact and reach the same temperature, with no more heat flow.

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Temperature

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A measure of how hot or cold something is, based on the average kinetic energy of its particles.

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Kinetic Energy

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The energy of motion. In thermal science, it’s the movement of particles in a substance.

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Thermal

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Related to heat or temperature. Example: “thermal energy” means the energy from moving particles that creates heat.

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Insulator

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A material that slows down or blocks heat transfer. Example: wood, plastic, or Styrofoam.

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Conductor

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A material that easily allows heat to pass through it. Example: metals like copper or aluminum.

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Second Law of Thermodynamics

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Heat always flows naturally from hotter objects to colder objects, not the other way around.