Thermal Energy

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

​Heat is..

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

Thermal Energy is..

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.

Insulators - materials in which heat flows slowly

Insulator

Conductors - materials in which heat flows quickly

Conductor

Conductors vs. Insulators

​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.