Module 5 Thermal Energy

Temperature

The measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles that make up the object

Thermal Energy

The sum of the kinetic energy and the potential energy of all the particles that make up that object

Heat

Energy that is transferred between objects due to a temperature difference between those objects

Specific Heat

The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature 1 kilogram of a material by 1 degree Celsius

Conduction

The transfer of thermal energy by collisions between the particles that make up matter

Convection

The transfer of thermal energy in a fluid by the movements of warmer and cooler fluid

Radiation

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

Thermal Insulator

A material through which thermal energy moves slowly

Solar Collector

A device that transforms radiant energy from the Sun into thermal energy

Thermodyanmics

The study of the relationships among thermal energy, heat, and work

First Law of Thermodynamics

If the mechanical energy of a system is constant, the increase in thermal energy of that system equals the sum of the thermal energy transfers into that system and the work done on that system

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Energy spontaneously spreads from regions of higher concentration to regions of lower concentration

Heat Engine

A device that converts some thermal energy into mechanical energy

Internal Combustion Engine

A heat engine that burns duel inside a set of cylinders