Thermal Energy Notes

Vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes on Thermal Energy, temperature, and methods of heat transfer.

Thermal Energy

The sum of the kinetic and potential energies of all the particles in a substance.

Temperature

A measurement of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance.

Thermal Energy Transfer

The process by which thermal energy transfers from an object or area of higher temperature to an object or area of lower temperature.

Conduction

Thermal energy transfer through direct contact by particles.

Convection

Thermal energy transfer through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases) by density differences.

Radiation

Thermal energy transfer through electromagnetic waves.

Particle Motion and Temperature Relationship

As average particle motion increases, temperature increases.