Thermal Energy Transfer Mind Map
← Thermal Energy TransferHow thermal energy moves from warmer to cooler matter by conduction, convection, and radiation, and how conductors and insulators speed it up or slow it down.
- thermal energyEnergy associated with the random motion and interactions of particles in matter; it depends on the amount, type, and state of the material as well as its temperature.A full bathtub of warm water holds a lot of thermal energy.
- heatThermal energy moving from a warmer object to a cooler one.Heat flowed from the cocoa into my cold hands.
- temperatureA measure of how hot or cold matter is, related to the average kinetic energy of its particles.The temperature of the soup dropped as it sat.
- particleA very small piece of matter, such as an atom or molecule.Each particle moves faster when the water is hot.
- thermal equilibriumA condition in which objects in thermal contact have the same temperature, so there is no net transfer of thermal energy between them.The ice water and the glass reached thermal equilibrium.
- conductionTransfer of thermal energy through interactions between neighboring particles, without flow of the material as a whole.Conduction made the metal spoon hot.
- convectionTransfer of thermal energy by the bulk movement of a liquid or gas.Convection carries warm air up to the ceiling.
- convection currentA circulation of fluid driven by density differences: less dense material rises and denser material sinks under gravity.A convection current keeps the soup moving in the pot.
- fluidAny material that can flow, such as a liquid or a gas.Air is a fluid, so it can carry heat by moving.
- radiationTransfer of energy by electromagnetic waves, which can travel through empty space.You feel radiation from a campfire on your face.
- absorbTo take in energy or matter.Dark pavement can absorb a lot of sunlight.
- solar energyEnergy that comes from the sun.A solar oven traps solar energy to cook food.
- conductorA material that allows thermal energy or electric charge to move through it relatively easily; the context tells which property is meant.A metal pot is a good conductor.
- insulatorA material that strongly resists the transfer of thermal energy or the movement of electric charge; the context tells which property is meant.The plastic handle is an insulator, so it stays cool.