Energy Basics
What is thermal energy?
Energy from the movement of particles in a substance.
What type of energy transformation happens when a battery powers a lightbulb?
Chemical → Electrical → Light.
What instrument is used to measure temperature?
A thermometer.
What does an environmental scientist do?
Studies how humans impact the environment.
What are the three states of matter?
Solid, liquid, gas.
What are the three types of heat transfer?
Conduction, convection, radiation.
What is energy conservation?
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.
What unit is temperature measured in?
Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin.
What is one way to reduce energy waste?
Turn off lights, use less plastic, recycle.
What is one example of an energy-efficient device?
LED lightbulbs, hybrid cars.
What is the difference between temperature and heat?
Temperature measures average kinetic energy; heat is energy transfer.
Name an example of convection.
Boiling water, wind, ocean currents.
What happens to gas when temperature increases?
It expands.
What is one negative effect of burning fossil fuels?
Air pollution, climate change.
What is the law of conservation of energy?
Energy cannot be created or destroyed.
What happens when thermal energy is added to a solid?
It melts and changes state.
Name an example of conduction.
Touching a hot pan.
What happens to the pressure of a gas when it is heated?
It increases.
How do wind and solar power help the environment?
They produce clean energy.
Why does metal feel colder than wood at the same temperature?
Because metal conducts heat away from your hand.
What is kinetic energy?
The energy of motion.
Name an example of radiation.
Sunlight warming the Earth.
Why does warm air rise and cool air sink?
Because of convection currents.
What is the difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy?
Renewable can be replaced, nonrenewable will run out.
How does a thermos keep liquids hot or cold?
By reducing conduction, convection, and radiation.