Thermal ENERGY Kim Lachler Updated 2015 NCES: 6.P.2. & 3

Thermal Energy Is kinetic due to the random motion of particles. Is kinetic due to the random motion of particles.

Thermal Energy The amount of thermal energy is determined by how active the atoms of a substance are. The amount of thermal energy is determined by how active the atoms of a substance are.

Thermal Energy The faster the atoms are moving the hotter the substance is. The faster the atoms are moving the hotter the substance is. The slower the atoms are moving the cooler the substance is. The slower the atoms are moving the cooler the substance is.

Thermal Energy What would happen if you put a blown up balloon in the freezer? What would happen if you put a blown up balloon in the freezer? –It would shrink because the atoms would be moving less. What would happen if you put the same balloon in the sun? What would happen if you put the same balloon in the sun? –It would expand because the atoms would be moving more.

Thermal Energy Thermal expansion Thermal expansion –Is when things expand (grow bigger) when they heat up due to the atoms moving more.

Thermal Energy Thermal contraction Thermal contraction – Is when things shrink (become smaller) when they cool down due to the atoms moving less.

Thermal Energy Why do engineers design bridges and side walks with cracks in them? Why do engineers design bridges and side walks with cracks in them? –To give room for thermal expansion and thermal contraction.

Thermal Energy Thermal Equilibrium Thermal Equilibrium –Warmer substances give energy to cooler substances until they become the same temperature.

Thermal Energy What happens when you add an ice cube to hot chocolate (besides the ice cube melting or the hot chocolate getting colder)? What happens when you add an ice cube to hot chocolate (besides the ice cube melting or the hot chocolate getting colder)? –Thermal Equilibrium – The hot chocolate gives it’s energy to the ice cube until they are the same temperature.

Bibliography Power Masters Motor Sports Academy, Heat Energy, accessed 12/27/2010 Power Masters Motor Sports Academy, Heat Energy, accessed 12/27/2010http:// Science Classified, Thermal expansion, accessed 12/28/2010 Science Classified, Thermal expansion, accessed 12/28/2010http://