thermal energy

thermal energy (heat)

-the energy of moving particles
-the measure of the total amount of kinetic energy of all the particles in a substance
-measured in joules (J)
-related to an object's mass composition, state, and temperature
-when transferred as heat, the average kinetic energy of the particles in a object increase

heat transfer

the movement of thermal energy from higher temperature to lower temperature

heat

The energy transferred between objects at different temperatures

Temperature

a measure of heat that represents the average kinetic energy of all the particles in a substance

thermal equilibrium

when two objects are at the same temperature and no heat flows between them

thermal conductivity

the rate at which a substance transfers heat

heat absorption

-the rate at which a material absorbs heat
-occurs faster in darker colors

Heat Reflection

-the return of radiant heat energy by a reflecting surface
-lighter colors

Conduction

-transfer of heat by direct contact
-occurs most commonly with solids, but can occur with liquids/gases

Convection

-the transfer of heat by the movement of currents caused by the warming and cooling of fluids
-warm air rises, cool air sinks
-can't occur in solids because the particles are too tightly packed

Radiation

-the transfer of heat by electromagnetic waves
-can travel through empty space

conductor

A material that conducts heat well

Insulator

A material that does not conduct heat well

greenhouse

-a building with glass walls and roof
-light can get in, but heated air inside cannot escape

absolute zero

-temperature at which no more thermal energy can be removed from matter
-no motion of particles