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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