thermal
Definition
Thermal energy is the energy of motion of the particles in a substance. The higher the temperature of a substance, the faster the particles are moving.
Thermal energy can be transferred from one object to another by conduction, convection, or radiation.
Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact. When two objects of different temperatures are placed in contact, the heat will flow from the hotter object to the colder object.
Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids. When a fluid is heated, the molecules at the bottom of the fluid become hotter and less dense. They rise to the top, and the cooler, denser molecules sink to the bottom. This creates a circulation of the fluid, which carries the heat throughout the fluid.
Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic waves are a form of energy that can travel through space. When these waves hit an object, they can cause the object to heat up.
How can the word be used?
The thermal bath was a popular spot for people to relax and soak in the warm water.
Different forms of the word
Adjective:
- of or relating to heat.
- produced by or caused by heat.
- having the ability to retain heat.
Noun:
- a thermal layer of the atmosphere.
- a thermal bath.
- a thermal image.
Etymology
The word "thermal" comes from the Greek word "θέρμη" (thérmē), which means "heat".
The first recorded use of the word "thermal" in English was in the 17th century.
The word "thermal" is a cognate of the French word "thermal" and the German word "thermisch", both of which mean "thermal".
The literal meaning of the word "thermal" is "of or relating to heat".
The word "thermal" can be used to refer to things that are hot, as well as to things that are related to heat.
The word "thermal" is a common word that is used in everyday speech. It is a useful word for describing things that are hot, as well as for talking about heat transfer and thermodynamics.
Question
What does the word thermal mean?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Discuss the concept of thermal energy and its practical applications. Explain how thermal energy is transferred through conduction, convection, and radiation. Provide an example of a real-world scenario where these heat transfer mechanisms play a crucial role.
Answer:
Thermal energy is the internal energy of a substance due to the motion of its particles. It is associated with heat and is a key factor in various everyday processes and applications.
Thermal energy is transferred through three main mechanisms: conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction involves the direct transfer of heat between particles through physical contact. Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluid, such as air or water. Radiation is the emission of electromagnetic waves that carry heat energy, even through a vacuum.
An example illustrating these mechanisms is cooking on a stovetop. When a pan is placed on a hot burner, heat is conducted from the burner to the pan. As the pan heats up, the air above it becomes hotter and rises, creating convection currents that distribute heat throughout the food. Additionally, the pan emits thermal radiation, which contributes to the cooking process.