Thermal Energy- 4th Grade

Thermal energy is the energy that comes from the temperature of matter. It is the total energy of all the particles in an object.

Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy through direct contact between materials.

Convection is the transfer of thermal energy through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases).

Radiation is the transfer of thermal energy through electromagnetic waves, such as sunlight.

Thermal energy from the sun travels to the Earth by radiation.

The thermal energy from the hot soup travels to the spoon by conduction, making it hot.

An example of conduction is when a metal spoon gets hot after being placed in a pot of hot soup.

An example of convection is warm air rising and cool air sinking, creating a breeze.

An example of radiation is feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin.

The sand absorbs thermal energy from the sun through radiation.