Heat and Thermal Energy

Science

The lowest possible temperature (0 K, -273°C)

Absolute zero

The lowest possible temperature 0 K, -273C, absolute zero. Absolute zero is the point where all molecular motion stops completely.

the transfer of heat energy between two objects through direct contact

Conduction explained in an easy to understand way.

the transfer of heat energy from a warmer area to a cooler area in a liquid or gas

Convection explained in an easy to understand way.

The movement pattern in a fluid caused by temperature differences within the fluid

Convection current

The movement pattern in a fluid caused by temperature differences within the fluid. Convection current. In science, a convection current is the flow that results when warm fluid rises and cool fluid sinks, creating a circulating pattern.

the thermal energy transferred from a warmer object to a cooler object

Heat explained in an easy to understand way.

A machine that converts thermal energy into mechanical energy

Heat engine

A machine that converts thermal energy into mechanical energy. Heat engine. A heat engine is a device that turns heat into motion or work.

the transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves, it does not require matter

Radiation explained in an easy to understand way.

The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1kg of a substance by 1°C

Specific heat

The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1kg of a substance by 1C. Specific heat. Specific heat is the measure of how much heat energy is required to raise the temperature of a specific material.

how hot or cold something is, it is determined by the kinetic energy of its particles

Temperature explained in an easy to understand way.

the energy of the moving particles in an object

Thermal energy explained in an easy to understand way.

An increase in the size of a substance when it is heated

Thermal expansion

An increase in the size of a substance when it is heated. Thermal expansion. When materials are heated, they expand because their particles move faster and spread apart.

A material that does not conduct heat well

Thermal insulator

A material that does not conduct heat well. Thermal insulator. A thermal insulator is a substance that slows down the transfer of heat.