Heat and Thermal Energy

Absolute zero

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

Conduction

The transfer of heat energy between two objects through direct contact. Conduction is when heat moves from one object to another by touching.

Convection

The transfer of heat energy from a warmer area to a cooler area in a liquid or gas. Convection. Convection is the movement of heat through fluids where warmer parts rise and cooler parts sink, creating a cycle.

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.

Heat

The thermal energy transferred from a warmer object to a cooler object. Heat. Heat is the energy that flows between substances due to a difference in temperature.

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.

Radiation

The transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves, it does not require matter. Radiation is energy traveling through space in the form of waves or particles.

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.

Temperature

How hot or cold something is, it is determined by the kinetic energy of its particles. Temperature. Temperature is a measure of how fast the particles in a substance are moving.

Thermal energy

The energy of the moving particles in an object. Thermal energy. Thermal energy is the energy that comes from the movement of atoms and molecules in a substance, making it feel warm.

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.

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.