Thermal Energy Quick Check

Answer 1

1. What is thermal energy?

Thermal energy is the internal energy present in a system due to the kinetic energy of its particles.

2. How is thermal energy related to temperature?

Thermal energy and temperature are related because temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance. The higher the temperature, the more thermal energy the substance has.

3. How is thermal energy transferred between objects?

Thermal energy can be transferred between objects through conduction, convection, or radiation. Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact, convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids, and radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves.

4. Give an example of each method of thermal energy transfer.

An example of conduction is a metal spoon becoming hot when placed in a hot drink. An example of convection is a pot of water boiling on a stove as the hot water rises and cooler water sinks. An example of radiation is feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin.

5. How can thermal energy be measured?

Thermal energy is typically measured in joules or calories using a calorimeter or other heat-measuring devices.