Thermal Energy Flashcards

Flashcards about Thermal Energy, covering topics such as particle movement, kinetic energy, temperature scales, heat transfer methods (conduction, convection, radiation), conductors, insulators and influencing factors.

Particle

A small unit of matter that makes up every solid, liquid, and gas.

Random motion

Movement in all directions and at different speeds.

Diffusion

The movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of motion; particles have kinetic energy due to motion.

Motion Lines

Used to model the movement of particles, with more lines indicating faster movement.

Thermal Expansion

The increase in volume of a material when particle motion increases. Adding heat leads to particles moving faster and having high kinetic energy, creating more space.

Thermal Contraction

Occurs when particle motion decreases, causing particles to occupy less volume. Removing heat leads to particles moving slower and having less kinetic energy.

Temperature

The measure of the average kinetic energy of all the particles in a material.

Absolute Zero

The temperature at which particles would stop all motion (zero kinetic energy), equivalent to 0 K.

Potential Energy

Energy that is stored; in this context, focusing on chemical potential energy related to the distance between particles.

Thermal Energy

The total potential and kinetic energy of the particles in an object (Thermal Energy = K.E. + P.E.).

Melting

The change of state from solid to liquid, requiring energy. Temperature remains constant while potential energy increases.

Freezing

The change of state from liquid to solid, releasing energy. Temperature remains constant.

Melting/Freezing Point

The point at which a substance changes between a solid and a liquid.

Condensation

The change of state from a gas to a liquid.

Vaporization

The change of state from liquid to gas.

Boiling/Condensation Point

The point at which a substance changes between a liquid and a gas where the temperature remains constant.

Heat

The amount of thermal energy transferred from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature.

Radiation

The transfer of thermal energy from one material to another by electromagnetic waves; can transfer in vacuum, solids, liquids, and gases.

Conduction

The transfer of thermal energy between materials by the collisions of particles.

Convection

The transfer of thermal energy by the movement of particles from one part of a material to another.

Thermal Conductivity

Refers to the ability of a given material to conduct/transfer heat.

Conductor

A material that transmits energy (thermal energy) easily.

Insulator

A material that prevents the flow of energy (thermal energy).

Specific Heat

The amount of thermal energy required to increase the temperature of 1 kg of a material by 1°C. Materials with high specific heat need more thermal energy to change the temperature.

Reflection (Heat)

Occurs when heat is bounced back from any surface.

Absorption (Heat)

Occurs when energy is absorbed by the substance.

Surface Area

The amount of exposed, outer area of a substance; a high surface area transfers more thermal energy.