5th Grade Physical Science Thermal Energy Vocabulary
energy
the ability to do work
conduction
the flow of heat between objects that are touching
When any form of matter gets warmer
the kinetic energy of the atoms or molecules that make it up increases
radiation
the movement of energy by the electromagnetic waves
heat
the movement of thermal energy from a substance at a higher temperature to one at a lower temperature
convection
the movement of warm liquids or gases to cooler areas
example of radiation
the sun heating the earth/s surface
thermal energy
the total of all the kinetic and potential energy of the atoms in an object
temperature
a measure of thermal energy
a state of matter change
can happen when there is a change of thermal energy
a change in thermal energy
can lead to a state of matter change
Heat moves in three ways
conduction, convection, radiation
example of convection
fireplace or space heater heating the air
Example of conduction
heat plate or stove top heating a pot
