science test

Thermal insulator

A material that significantly slows down the transfer of heat, such as fiberglass, foam, or wool.

Thermal conductor

A material that allows heat to transfer easily and rapidly through it, such as copper, iron, and other metals.

Conduction

The transfer of heat between substances that are in direct physical contact through particle collisions.

Convection

The transfer of heat through fluids where warmer, less dense fluid rises and cooler, denser fluid sinks to create a current.

Thermal radiation

The transfer of heat through infrared electromagnetic waves that can move through empty space without particles.

Trapped air pockets

A design feature in materials like fleece, wool, and double-pane windows that reduces heat loss because motionless gases conduct heat very poorly.

Vacuum barrier

An empty space lacking all matter, used in thermal flasks to prevent heat transfer by both conduction and convection.

Reflective silver lining

A shiny surface in insulated containers that prevents heat loss by bouncing infrared waves back toward the heat source.

Insulator

materials that do not allow electric charges electrons or heat to pass through them easily.

Conductor

a material that allows electricity or heat to pass through it easily. It acts like an open door that lets energy move from one place to another with very little resistance.

Lower R value

A lower number means heat passes through the material quickly.

Higher R value

A higher number means the material is a better insulator and slows down heat transfer more effectively.

What is the definition insulation

is the act of covering, protecting, or separating something with a material that slows down or prevents the passage of heat, sound, electricity, the physical material used.

R value

The R-value is a rating that measures how well a material resists the flow of heat.

How thermal energy moves

Direction of heat flows Thermal energy always moves naturally from areas of high temperature (warm) to areas of low temperature (cold). It continues moving until both areas reach the exact same temperature, a state known as thermal equilibrium.

Heat capacity

Heat capacity is the amount of thermal energy a material can absorb before its temperature increases.

Higher heat capacity

higher heat capacity can absorb and store large amounts of heat energy without warming up too quickly.

Modifying Space Habs and Greenhouses

Stopping conduction use double walled or triple walled panels filled with trapped air, gas, etc.

Stopping convection: Seal all cracks, gaps, and doorways tightly so warm air Can stay in.