Thermal Energy & Heat Notes

6th Grade Science

Chapter 6Section 1

Temperature, Thermal Energy, &

Heat

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the individual particles in matter.

The three common scales for measuring temperature are the Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin scales.

Fahrenheit Scale

Freezing Point = 32 F

Boiling Point = 212 F

Celsius Scale

Freezing Point = 0 C

Boiling Point = 100 C

Kelvin Scale

Freezing Point = 273 K

Boiling Point = 373 K

Heat - thermal energy that is transferred from matter at a higher temperature to matter at a lower temperature

Heat is thermal energy moving from a warmer object to a cooler object.

Listen as Tim and Moby talk about

TEMPERATURE!

Chapter 6Section 2

The Transfer of Heat

Heat transfers through our environment all of the time. Things are always getting warmer or cooler.

Heat transfer is always from the hotter object to the cooler object.

Heat transfers through some materials better than others.

3 Types of Heat Transfer

1. Conduction - the transfer of heat from one particle of matter to another without the movement of matter

Conductor - a material that conducts heat well

Insulator - a material that does not conduct heat well

GOOD CONDUCTOR

S

BAD CONDUCTOR

SCopper WoodSteel StyrofoamIron AirSilver Paper

Why would an ice cube melt faster on a piece of metal vs. a piece of wood? The ice cubes both started at the same size and temperature.

Examples of Conduction* Ironing a shirt

* Feet on hot sand

* Spoon in hot liquid getting warm

* Stove making a pot get hot

2. Convection - the transfer of heat by the movement of currents within a fluid

Examples of Convection* Warm water rising to top in pool

* Hot air balloon

* Stove heating up and warming room

* Earth’s mantle

* Lava Lamp

3. Radiation - the transfer of heat by electromagnetic waves

Examples of Radiation* Sun warming Earth

* Camp fire

* Microwave oven

* Light Bulb

Many times, more than one type of heat transfer is happening at the same time.

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Click below to watch a BrainPop on Heat Energy!