Heat and Thermal Energy

Science

absolute zero

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

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conduction

the transfer of heat energy between two objects through direct contact

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convection

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

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convection current

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

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heat

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

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heat engine

a machine that converts thermal energy into mechanical energy

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radiation

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

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specific heat

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

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temperature

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

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thermal energy

the energy of the moving particles in an object

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thermal expansion

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

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thermal insulator

a material that does not conduct heat well

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