Grade 8 PS Physics: Thermal Energy

Flashcards for Mr. Barkouras's Thermal Energy Test

thermal energy

the total kinetic and potential energy of all the particles in an object

particles

atoms, molecules, or compounds in an object

heat

the transfer of thermal energy from a warmer object to a cooler object

heat always flows from…

a high temperature object to a low temperature object

when an object loses heat, it…

decreases in temperature

when an object gains heat, it…

increases in temperature

temperature

the measure of the average kinetic thermal energy (speed) of the particles of a substance.

faster particles —> greater energy —>

greater temperature

absolute zero

the lowest possible temperature, where temperature atoms are motionless

absolute zero in kelvin

0K

absolute zero in celsius

-273C

absolute zero in fahrenheit

-460C

potential thermal energy

the state of matter: greater distance between particles, greater potential energy

kinetic thermal energy

temperature

phase changes

• the thermal energy of a substance changes, but its temperature stays the same

• atoms rearrange themselves moving further away or closer together

factors of thermal energy

• temperature

• mass

• arrangement of particles

radiation

• transfer of thermal energy by electromagnetic radiation

• does not require matter (medium) to transfer heat

• heat intensity greatly decreases with distance

conduction

• the transfer of energy that occurs when molecules collide

• occurs between two or more different objects or within the same object

convection

• the transfer of thermal energy by the movement of a heated fluid (liquid or gas)

• the fluid falls in a cyclical motion

• heat intensity doesn’t decrease with distance

thermal expansion

• The expansion of matter when it is heated. 

• As matter heats, it increases in volume.

• Particles spread out, causing the substance to expand. 

thermal contraction

• When matter is cooled, thermal energy is released.

• Particles to slow down and take up less space.

conductors

• Materials that transfer heat and electricity easily

• Usually Metals

insulators

• Materials that do not transfer heat and electricity easily

• Usually nonmetals

specific heat

• The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one gram of a material by one degree Celsius

• The greater the specific heat, the more energy is required to heat up the substance.