Thermal Energy

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

Thermal energy is the energy that comes from the temperature of matter. It is the total kinetic energy of the particles in an object.

Front

What is conduction?

Back

Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy through direct contact between materials. It occurs when heat moves from a hotter object to a cooler one.

Front

What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of thermal energy through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases). Warm fluid rises while cooler fluid sinks, creating a circulation pattern.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves. It does not require a medium, so it can occur in a vacuum, like how the sun warms the Earth.

Front

Give an example of conduction.

Back

An example of conduction is when you touch a hot stove and heat transfers from the stove to your hand.

Front

Give an example of convection.

Back

An example of convection is warm air rising from a heater and circulating around a room.

Front

Give an example of radiation.

Back

An example of radiation is feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin.

Front

What happens to particles in a substance when it is heated?

Back

When a substance is heated, its particles gain energy, move faster, and usually spread apart, causing the substance to expand.

Front

What is the role of thermal energy in melting?

Back

Thermal energy causes the particles in a solid to gain enough energy to break free from their fixed positions, leading to melting.

Front

How does thermal energy affect states of matter?

Back

Thermal energy influences the state of matter: solids have low thermal energy, liquids have moderate thermal energy, and gases have high thermal energy.