Thermal Energy Concepts

Flashcards covering key concepts related to thermal energy, heat transfer, and thermodynamics.

Insulated cups

Reduce heat transfer.

Thermal energy

The total energy of all the particles in a substance.

Temperature

The average energy of the particles in a substance.

Heat

The movement of thermal energy from one substance to another.

Specific heat

The amount of energy needed to change the temperature of a substance.

Conductors

Materials that transfer heat easily.

Insulators

Materials that do not transfer heat easily.

Radiation

The transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves.

Convection

The transfer of thermal energy by the movement of a fluid.

Conduction

The transfer of thermal energy by direct contact.

Heat engine

A device that converts thermal energy into mechanical energy.

First law of thermodynamics

Energy cannot be created or destroyed.

Second law of thermodynamics

Thermal energy moves from warmer objects to cooler objects.

Refrigerators

Devices that remove thermal energy from the inside of the fridge.

SI unit for energy

Joule.

Change in thermal energy formula

Q = mc(T_f - T_i)

Water and thermal energy

Water has a high specific heat.

Relationship between temperature and thermal energy

Temperature is a measure of thermal energy.

Molecular transfer of thermal energy

Transmitted through the motion and collisions of particles.

Science in community

Science can be used to solve problems in our community.