Conduction
In which state of matter does conduction primarily occur due to closely packed particles?
Solid
In a pot of boiling water, where does the hottest water rise?
To the top of the pot
Which type of wave is primarily responsible for heat radiation?
Infrared waves
Which kitchen appliance uses conduction, convection, and radiation to cook food?
Oven
What environmental effect is caused by excessive greenhouse gas emissions trapping more heat in the atmosphere?
Global warming.
Give the elemental symbol of the metal commonly used in cooking utensils because of its high thermal conductivity.
Cu
What drives the fluid movements in the process of convection?
Displacement of particles in liquids and gases due to changing density caused by thermal expansion.
Does radiation require a medium to transfer heat?
No, it can transfer heat through a vacuum
Name a material often used to insulate buildings, helping reduce heat loss through conduction.
Fiberglass
Why does a metal bench feel hotter than a wooden bench on a sunny day, even if they’re in the same location?
Metal is a better conductor and absorbs heat from sunlight more effectively than wood.
What is the term for materials that resist the flow of heat?
Thermal insulators
What occurs in the Earth’s mantle, driving plate tectonics?
Mantle convection currents
What type of surface is most effective at emitting and absorbing radiant heat?
A dark, matte surface
Explain why double-pane windows are more effective at preventing heat loss than single-pane windows.
The air gap between panes reduces heat transfer by conduction and convection.
Explain how thermal processes contribute to the melting of polar ice caps.
Global warming increases temperatures, causing ice caps to absorb more heat and melt through conduction and radiation
Explain why a metal spoon feels colder than a wooden spoon when both are at the same room temperature.
Metal conducts heat away faster, so it feels colder.
Why are air conditioning units always at the top of the room?
Cold air sinks, creating a convection current that circulates cold air throughout the room.
Why does a white shirt feel cooler than a black shirt on a sunny day?
White reflects more radiation, while black absorbs it.
In hot climates like Malaysia, many buildings use this type of glass or window coating to reduce heat entering the building by reflecting sunlight. What is it called?
Tinted or reflective glass.
What phenomenon occurs when land heats up faster than water, causing local winds and coastal breezes?
Sea breeze. Air rushing in from the sea or ocean to fill the space created by rising air on land.
Describe the process of conduction at the particle level and explain why it is slowest in gases.
In conduction, thermal energy is transferred through collisions between particles. In gases, particles are far apart, leading to fewer collisions and slower energy transfer.
Describe how convection currents are generated in the atmosphere and contribute to weather patterns.
Uneven heating of the Earth's surface creates warm and cool air masses, leading to rising and sinking air, forming convection currents that drive winds and weather patterns.
Explain the role of radiation in the greenhouse effect.
Greenhouse gases trap infrared radiation from Earth’s surface, preventing heat from escaping into space and warming the atmosphere.
Why do thermos flasks keep liquids hot or cold for long periods, and what principles of thermal processes are involved?
Thermos flasks have a vacuum layer that minimizes conduction and convection, while reflective surfaces reduce radiation.
Describe how uneven heating of the Earth’s surface affects global ocean currents and climate.
Temperature differences create convection currents in the ocean, influencing climate patterns like El Niño and La Niña.