How Does Thermal Energy Move? Danielle Ruff CES 3rd Grade
Ways Thermal Energy Moves 3 ways Particle to particle Particle can carry thermal energy to another place (through gas or liquid) Move through empty space (Sun’s heat to earth) Pg. 166
Conductors The movement of thermal energy between objects that touch each other is conduction. A pan is used for cooking because it is made of metal. –Thermal energy moves easily through most metals. An object that thermal energy can move through easily is called a conductor. Pg. 167
Insulators An insulator is an object that does not conduct heat well. Wood, cloth, and plastic are good insulators. What is an insulator we use while cooking? –Potholder or oven mitt Air is an insulator too. –Some winter jackets have air spaces in them because air keeps thermal energy from moving away from the body. This is why a bird fluffs up its feathers. Pg. 168
Insulation Materials that are good insulators are used to make insulation. Insulation is a material that is used to slow the movement of heat. You can find insulation in the walls of your home, in a thick jacket, or in a thermos or cooler. Pg. 169