Thermal transfer of energy

• What are the three methods of thermal energy transfer?

  Conduction, convection, and radiation
• How does conduction transfer thermal energy?

  Energy is passed from one particle to another via contact
• In the example of conduction, how is heat transferred from your skin to a window?

  Through direct contact between the skin and the window
• What is convection and how does it occur?

  Convection occurs when particles with energy rise, leaving space for other particles to fill
• What is an example of convection demonstrated in an experiment?


  The dye in water with a candle experiment
• How does radiation transfer heat?

  Heat is transferred as infrared waves
• How do infrared waves behave in terms of heat transfer?

  They can travel through space and can be conducted or reflected
• What is the role of convection in everyday phenomena?

  Convection distributes heat energy
• How does a radiator heat a room using convection?

  Hot air rises from the radiator, creating a current of cool air to be heated
• How is the emission of radiation related to temperature?

  The higher the temperature, the more radiation is emitted
• What type of surface is best for emitting radiation?

  A matt black surface
• What type of surface is the worst for emitting radiation?

  A shiny silver surface
• What is the procedure for investigating thermal energy transfer by conduction, convection, and radiation?

  1. Get three beakers of the same size and shape.

  2. Insulate one beaker to stop conduction.

  3. Place a lid on the second beaker to stop convection currents.

  4. Leave the third beaker uncovered as a control.

  5. Start with the same temperature of water in each beaker.

  6. Record how quickly the water in each beaker loses thermal energy.
• What is a good insulating material and why?

  A good insulating material is a poor conductor that contains trapped air, like foam or glass fiber
• How does insulation reduce unwanted energy transfer?

  It prevents heat transfer by conduction and stops convection currents