6th Grade Unit 5 Lesson 2 Thermal Energy and Temperature

Kinetic Theory of Matter

the idea that all matter is made up of tiny particles in constant, random motion

solid

A state of matter that has a definite shape and a definite volume; particles are close together and vibrate in place

liquid

A state of matter that has a definite volume but no definite shape; particles stay close and slide past each other

gas

A state of matter with no definite shape or volume; particles move far apart at high speeds, occasionally colliding and bouncing away

change of state

a physical change of a substance from one state to another as particles gain or give away energy

temperature

A measure of how hot (or cold) something is; specifically, a measure of the average kinetic energy of all the particles in an object or substance

thermal energy

The total amount of kinetic energy of the particles of a substance

thermometer

a tool used to measure temperature

Celsius scale

a temperature scale that defines the freezing point of water as 0 degrees and the boiling point of water as 100 degrees

Fahrenheit scale

The temperature scale on which water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees

Kelvin

the SI unit for temperature, abbreviated K; a temperature change of 1 Kelvin is the same as a temperature change of 1°C.

heat

The energy transferred between objects that are at different temperatures

conduction

transfer of energy by direct contact when atoms/molecules bump into each other

radiation

the transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves, such as light and microwaves

convection

The transfer of thermal energy by the circulation or movement of a liquid or gas