Thermal Energy

Thermal Energy → sum of the kinetic and potential energy of all the particles in an object; thermal energy of an object increases as temperature increases

Heat → thermal energy that flows from something at a higher temperature to something at a lower temperature

Thermal Energy Transfer

Conduction → Transfer of thermal energy by collisions between particles in matter. Occurs in solids, liquids, & gases. Metals are the best conductors.

Convection → Transfer of thermal energy in a fluid by the movement of warmer and cooler fluid from place to place. Occurs in liquids & gases.

Radiation → Transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves. Occurs in gases only.

Conductors vs. Insulators

Conductors - materials in which heat flows quickly

Insulators - materials in which heat flows slowly

Thermal Energy

All objects want to reach thermal equilibrium. Or, they want their temperatures to be equal.

In order to make this happen, heat will move from the hotter object to the colder object.

Heat will stop flowing once the two objects reach the same temperature, or are at thermal equilibrium.