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What is thermal energy?

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Thermal energy is the total energy of all the particles in an object, which is related to its temperature.

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NGSS.HS-PS3-4

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What happens to the thermal energy of a substance when it is heated?

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When a substance is heated, its thermal energy increases, causing its particles to move faster.

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What is the process of freezing?

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Freezing is the process where a liquid turns into a solid as it loses thermal energy.

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What is evaporation?

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Evaporation is the process where a liquid turns into a gas, usually at the surface, as it gains thermal energy.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-4

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What is the relationship between temperature and thermal energy?

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Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance; higher temperature means higher thermal energy.

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What is conduction?

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Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy through direct contact between materials.

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What is convection?

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Convection is the transfer of thermal energy through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases) caused by differences in temperature.

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What is radiation?

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Radiation is the transfer of thermal energy through electromagnetic waves, such as sunlight.

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How does thermal energy affect the state of matter?

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Thermal energy can change the state of matter: solid to liquid (melting), liquid to gas (evaporation), and gas to liquid (condensation).

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NGSS.MS-PS1-4

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What is kinetic energy?

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Kinetic energy is the energy of motion; in thermal energy, it refers to the movement of particles.

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