Thermal energy study guide

Question 1

What is the relationship between the temperature of a substance and the kinetic energy of its particles?

Answer 1

Faster particles are moving the hotter the temperature

Question 2

Define specific heat

Answer 2

It is the thermal energy required to increase the temperature of 1 kg of material 1 degree Celsius

Question 3

Define thermal expansion

Answer 3

The increase in a materials volume when the temperature is increased

Question 4

Define thermal contraction

Answer 4

Decrease in a materials volume when the temperature is decreased

Question 5

When the fuel in a car’s engine combusts,______ energy is transformed into thermal energy

Answer 5

Chemical

Question 6

Define convection currents

Answer 6

It is the cyclical up and down movement of fluids

Question 7

Describe the thermal energy transferred in a refridgerator

Answer 7

Thermal energy starts inside the refrigerator and it transfers to the coolant in the pipes then transfers ti the air behind the fridge

Question 8

Describe the specific heat of water and identify one way this is important to humans

Answer 8

Water has a high specific heat so it does not change temperature easily. Human bodies contain a lot of water so this water in our bodies help keep the body temperature constant