Thermal Energy Study Guide

Thermal Energy 6.2 Study Guide – Lessons 1–5

Key Vocabulary

• Variable:

  • Definition: Something that can change in an experiment.

  • Example sentence: "In an experiment, the temperature is the variable we change to observe its effect on evaporation."

• Dependent Variable:

  • Definition: What you measure or observe in an experiment; the result of the independent variable's manipulation.

  • Example sentence: "The amount of water that evaporates is the dependent variable, as it depends on the temperature change."

• Independent Variable:

  • Definition: What you change on purpose in the experiment; the factor that is manipulated.

  • Example sentence: "The independent variable in the heat retention experiment is the type of cup used."

• Control Variable:

  • Definition: Things that remain the same throughout the experiment to ensure that the test is fair.

  • Example sentence: "The room temperature must be a control variable in the evaporation studies."

• Mean (Average):

  • Definition: A statistical measure obtained by adding all numbers together and dividing by the quantity of numbers.

  • Example calculation: For data points 2, 4, and 6, the mean is calculated as follows: ext{Mean} = \frac{2 + 4 + 6}{3} = 4

• Evaporation:

  • Definition: The process by which a liquid changes into a gas at temperatures below its boiling point.

  • Example: "When water is left out in the sun, it undergoes evaporation."

• Condensation:

  • Definition: The process through which a gas cools down and transitions into a liquid state.

  • Example: "Water droplets forming on a cold glass illustrate condensation."

• Matter:

  • Definition: Anything that has mass and occupies space.

  • Example: "Water, air, and rocks are all examples of matter."

• Molecules:

  • Definition: Tiny particles that comprise all forms of matter; they can consist of one or more atoms.

  • Example: "Water molecules are made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom."

Related Investigations

• Fancy Cup vs. Regular Cup:

  • Investigation focus: Which type of cup retains heat better?

• Temperature – Modified Cup vs. Regular Cup:

  • Investigation focus: How do modifications to a cup influence temperature retention?

• Temperature – Lid Cup vs. No Lid Cup:

  • Investigation focus: Do lids assist in maintaining hot or cold temperatures?

• Mass Loss – Lid Cup vs. No Lid Cup:

  • Investigation focus: Which type of cup experiences greater water loss through evaporation?

Considerations for Each Investigation:

• What is the independent variable (the factor that you change)?

• What is the dependent variable (the result that you measure)?

• What are the control variables (the conditions that remain constant)?

Necessary Skills

• Calculating Mean (Average):

  • Ability to compute the average of given data sets.

• Data Analysis:

  • Skill in analyzing experimental results to form conclusions about what the data shows.

• Fair Test Design:

  • Competence in devising experiments ensuring that only one variable is altered to maintain test integrity.

• Model Creation:

  • Ability to create models that explain energy transfer, evaporation, and condensation processes.

Materials to Study

• Interactive Notebook:

  • Review all notes, vocabulary, and relevant diagrams to reinforce understanding.

• Classwork:

  • Revisit your experiment results and critique your answers to ensure comprehension and correctness.

Study Tips

• Review each investigation and accurately identify the variables involved.

• Practice calculating averages using sample data sets to enhance statistical skills.

• Draw a diagram illustrating the movement of molecules during evaporation and condensation processes.

• Articulate in your own terms how lids or insulation materials affect temperature retention and loss.

• Regularly quiz yourself on the vocabulary until you are able to define each word with proficiency and speed.