Thermal Energy

A material that is naturally cold.

A material that is a poor conductor of heat.

A material that is a good conductor of heat.

A material that is naturally hot.

During the day, solar radiation warms the ground and water, which then heat up the air touching them.

Global ocean circulation also distributes thermal energy around Earth.

Greenhouse gases trap some thermal energy in the atmosphere.

Mantle convection carries thermal energy from Earth's interior to its surface and drives plate tectonics, causing phenomena like earthquakes and volcanoes.

The warmth you feel when sitting near a campfire is primarily from the transfer of thermal energy by radiation.

Metal is a good conductor of thermal energy. It would quickly become too hot to hold and burn the marshmallow.

As the air around the campfire is heated and becomes less dense, it rises and moves upward, creating a convection current that transfers heat.

The marshmallow held near the fire gains thermal energy from radiation, which toasts the marshmallow.

A short and poor conductor of thermal energy like a wooden twig.

A long and good conductor of thermal energy like a metal rod.

A short and good conductor of thermal energy like a metal fork.

A long and poor conductor of thermal energy like a wooden stick.

The marshmallow held near the fire also gains thermal energy from radiation, which toasts the marshmallow.

As the air around the campfire is heated and becomes less dense, it rises and moves upward, creating a convection current that transfers heat.

A metal rod would not be a good choice for roasting marshmallows because metal is a good conductor of thermal energy. It would quickly become too hot to hold!

A metal rod would not be a good choice for roasting marshmallows because metal is a good conductor of thermal energy. It would quickly become too hot to hold!

When your body is too hot, it increases blood flow to your skin, where heat loss occurs. Moving air increases the rate of heat loss from the evaporation of sweat.

Radiation from the Sun transfers thermal energy to a person standing in sunlight.

Tile is a better conductor of thermal energy, so it’s easier for heat to flow from your feet into the tile. This conduction makes the tile feel cool.

Where the air is cooler downstairs, more thermal energy will transfer from your body to the air.

Conduction takes place at your skin’s surface, as thermal energy is transferred from your body to the air or anything in contact with your skin.

Staying in shady areas can help keep you cooler on a hot day.

When your body is too hot, it increases blood flow to your skin, where heat loss occurs.

Your body also loses thermal energy to the environment by radiation.