Thermal Energy Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts of thermal energy, including its transfer, types of energy, properties of conductors and insulators, kinetic energy in different states of matter, and the law of conservation of energy.

What is thermal energy?

A form of energy measured by temperature.

How does thermal energy transfer?

Thermal energy always transfers from a warmer substance to a cooler substance.

What is an insulator?

A material through which electrical energy or thermal energy cannot move easily, like a fabric oven mitt.

What is a conductor?

A material through which electrical energy or thermal energy can move easily, like a metal pan.

What are the two main types of energy?

Kinetic energy and Potential energy.

What is kinetic energy?

Energy of motion; includes electricity, heat, and the motion of everyday objects.

What is potential energy?

Stored energy based on an object’s position, such as how high an object is above the ground.

How does kinetic energy of particles compare in solids, liquids, and gases?

In solids, kinetic energy is low with particles vibrating; in liquids, particles move around with more kinetic energy; in gases, particles have high kinetic energy and move quickly.

What is the law of conservation of energy?

A law in physics stating that the total amount of energy in a system remains constant; energy is not created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed.