THERMAL ENERGY

TRANSFE
Daju-Ann Rodgers

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CONTENT
01
02
S THERMAL ENERGY TRANSFER

METHODS OF HEAT TRANSFER

03 FACTORS AFFECTING ABSORBTION AND RADIATION

03 GOOD AND BAD ABSORBERS

04 EMITTERS

05 THERMAL TRASNFER IN EVERYDAY LIFE

09 REFERENCES
WHA
IS T HE T RANS FE R OF
T HE RMAL E NERGY?

T What is therma l energy?

Thermal energy is the energy that an object has
due to the move ment of its atoms and molecule s.
The more they move , the more thermal energy the
object has.

This kind of energy c an be tra nsferred from one object to

anothe r as heat. The amount of the rmal energy an object ha s
de pends on its temperature, mass, and the types of atoms or
molecule s it contains.
When thermal energy is transfe rred to a n object, it can ca use
the object to inc rease in temperature, c hange state (like me lting
or boiling), or even break apart.

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 METHODS OF HEAT
Conduction TRANSFER
Convection Radiation
Conduction involves Convection occurs when a cooler, denser mass of Thermal radiation is the
molecules transferring the gas or liquid replaces the warmer, less dense transfer of energy through
kinetic energy to one mass of the gas or liquid, pushing it upwards. electromagnetic waves.
another through
collisions.

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 FACTORS
Absorbtion and AFFECTING:
• Colour of the surface
• Texture of the surface
• Area of the surface

Good and Poor Absorbers Radiation

Good: matte, dull, rough, black

Poor: shiny, smooth, polished, sil ver or white

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 EMITTERS
Emitters refer to sources that release or radiate thermal energy to their
surroundings. Three examples of emitters of heat are:

RUNNING
CAR ENGINE
GLOWING
INCANDESC ENT
LIGHT B ULB BOILING POT
OF WATER

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THERMAL ENERGY
TRANSFER IN EVERYDAY
LIFE
Thermal energy transfer plays a crucial role in everyday
life, influencing processes such as cooking food, heating
homes, and regulating body temperature. Its principles
are foundational in devices like ovens, radiators, and
refrigerators.

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 EXAMPLE Vacuum Flask
S:
A vacuum flask minimizes thermal energy transfer by using a vacuum
between its double walls, effectively reducing conduction and convection,
and a reflective lining to counteract radiation, thereby maintaining the
temperature of the contents for an extended period.

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 EXAMPLE Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters use thermal energy transfer to heat water for various
S:They typically consist of solar collectors that absorb sunlight,
applications.
convert it to heat, and transfer it to the water circulating through the
system. This process relies on conduction and convection within the
system, making it an eco-friendly and energy-efficient way to provide hot
water for homes and other uses.

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 EXAMPLE Greenhouse effect
The greenhouse effect is like a natural blanket for the Earth. When the Sun's rays hit the
Earth, our S:
planet absorbs the heat. Just like when you feel warm under a blanket, the Earth
releases this heat back out. But greenhouse gases, like CO2, act like an extra layer on this
blanket, trapping more heat. This process is a type of thermal energy transfer, where heat
gets passed around and held close to the Earth's surface, making our planet warmer.

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 References
• worksheetplanet.com

• machinedesign.com

• Khanacademy.org

• suttongrammar.sutton.sch.uk

• concise revision course; csec physics

• Google images

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THAT’S A
WRAP