6.2 Thermal Energy

systems

A set of parts that work together (interact) toward a goal or outcome.

model

Representation we use for explaining a phenomenon

Variable

A factor that can change in an experiment

open system

A system in which matter can enter from or escape to the surroundings.

closed system

A system in which no matter is allowed to enter or leave

mean

the arithmetic average of a distribution, obtained by adding the scores and then dividing by the number of scores

Molecule

two or more atoms held together

control variable

a factor that is held constant to test the relative impact of an independent variable

Evaporation

The change of a substance from a liquid to a gas

independent variable

The experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.

dependent variable

The measurable effect, outcome, or response in which the research is interested.

Condensation

The change of state from a gas to a liquid

transparent

Allowing light to pass through

opaque

not able to be seen through; not transparent

kinetic energy

the energy an object has because it is moving

temperature

the measure of average kinetic energy of the particles in a material

thermal energy

The total energy of motion in the particles of a substance

heat

having a high temperature

absorb

to soak up or take in

conduction

the transfer of thermal energy without the movement of matter

criteria

standards that must be met by the design

constraints

limitations to what can be designed

styrene/styrofoam

a light resilient foam of polystyrene

porous

full of tiny holes

vacuum insulation

an empty space with no particles and no pressure

air insulation

material used to trap air and sound

criteria

standards that must be met by the design

contraints

limitations to what can be designed