Which of the following statements are true about thermal energy? Select all that apply.

Question

A.
A plastic ruler transfers energy at lower temperatures than a metal ruler.
B.
Thermal energy flows from hot to cold.
C.
Substances increase in temperature when their particles move faster.
D.
Thermal energy transfers down a heated rod as molecules in the rod transfer kinetic energy from one molecule to the next.

Answer 1

The true statements about thermal energy from the options provided are:

B. Thermal energy flows from hot to cold.
C. Substances increase in temperature when their particles move faster.
D. Thermal energy transfers down a heated rod as molecules in the rod transfer kinetic energy from one molecule to the next.

Statement A is false because the ability of a material to transfer energy (conductivity) does not depend on temperature but rather on the material's properties. Metal generally conducts heat better than plastic, regardless of temperature.