States of Matter and Thermal Energy

Flashcards covering the classification and behavior of matter, states of matter, and the fundamentals of thermal energy transfer.

Solid

Matter that has a definite volume and a definite shape, in which particles are arranged in repeating geometric patterns.

Plasma

A gas-like mixture with no definite shape that is made up of positively and negatively charged particles.

Gas

Matter with no definite volume and no definite shape, in which particles are free to move in all directions until they spread evenly throughout their container.

Liquid

Matter that has a definite volume but no definite shape.

Liquid crystals

Liquids which keep some ordered structure.

Convection

The transfer of thermal energy that forms wind and ocean currents, most likely occurring through liquids and gases.

Heat of vaporization

The amount of energy needed to change a material from the solid state to the liquid state.

Insulator

A material that reduces the flow of heat by conduction, convection, and radiation.

Conductors

Materials that are good at conducting heat, such as silver, copper, and aluminum.

Combustion

The process by which engine fuels burn.

Radiation

The transfer of energy that does not require matter.

Radiant energy

Energy from the sun that travels to Earth.

Heat engine

A device that converts thermal energy into work.

Temperature

The measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles of a material or substance.

Heat

The thermal energy that flows across a temperature gradient.

Air

The substance that serves as the best insulator when compared to silver, copper, and iron.