Heat Transfer
Energy & Temperature
Real-World Applications
Energy Transfer & Conservation
Challenge Questions
100

What are the three types of heat transfer?

Conduction, Convection, Radiation

100

What happens to molecular motion when kinetic energy increases?

Molecules move faster.

100

Why are cooking pots made of metal but their handles are often plastic or wood?

Metal conducts heat, plastic/wood are insulators

100

What is the law of conservation of energy?

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred

100

A student says heat moves from cold objects to hot objects. Is this correct? Explain why or why not.

No, heat always moves from hot to cold objects.

200

Which type of heat transfer happens when you feel warmth from the sun?

Radiation

200

: If two objects have the same temperature, do they have the same kinetic energy? Why or why not?

No, different materials transfer heat differently.

200

Why do astronauts wear insulated suits in space?

To reduce heat loss from radiation, since there is no air for convection or conduction.

200

When ice melts in a cup of water, where does the energy come from?

Energy transfers from the water to the ice

200

Why do ice cubes in a drink eventually melt, even though they are colder than the liquid?

Energy from the warmer liquid transfers to the ice.

300

Why does metal feel colder than wood, even if both are the same temperature?

Metal is a better conductor, so it pulls heat from your hand faster.

300

Why does adding heat to a solid eventually make it melt?

Heat increases kinetic energy, weakening molecular bonds

300

How does a thermos keep your drink hot?

It reduces conduction, convection, and radiation.

300

Why does a metal spoon heat up when placed in hot soup?

Energy transfers through conduction.

300

You step out of a swimming pool on a hot day and feel cold. Why does this happen?

Water evaporating from your skin absorbs heat, cooling you.

400

Explain why hot air rises and cool air sinks in a room.

Convection—hot air expands, becomes less dense, and rises.

400

A hot metal cube is placed in room temperature water. What happens to the cube’s temperature over time?

It cools down as energy transfers to the water.)

400

Why does black asphalt heat up more than white concrete?

It absorbs more radiation.

400

hich type of heat transfer would be most affected if there was no air in the environment?

Convection, since it requires air or liquid to move heat.

400

A scientist heats two different materials with the same amount of energy. One heats up faster. Why?

It has a lower specific heat capacity.

500

A metal pot is sitting on a hot stove. Describe how all three types of heat transfer occur in this scenario

Conduction—pot touching stove, Convection—heat circulating in the liquid, Radiation—heat coming from the burner

500

Which material will heat up faster in the sun: metal or water? Explain why.

Metal, because it has lower specific heat capacity than water.

500

Why do coastal cities have milder temperatures compared to inland cities?

Water absorbs and releases heat slowly, moderating climate.

500

Explain how energy transfer causes weather changes.

Sun heats the Earth, creating convection currents in the atmosphere.

500

In what scenario could conduction, convection, and radiation all happen at the same time?

Cooking soup on a stove—conduction through the pot, convection in the liquid, radiation from the burner.