Important Terms

1. Important Terms Feb. 12, 2014

2. Conductor • Materials that transfer (or conduct) heat well are known as conductors. • Metals are the best conductors. Why? • Metals have the most “loose” outer electrons to transfer the thermal (electrical also) energy through the material.

3. Insulator • Materials that Do Not transfer (or conduct) heat well are known as insulators. • Wood, Glass, straw, paper, do not have many “loose” outer electrons to transfer the thermal (or electrical) energy through the material.

4. Heat Conduction • The transfer of heat (thermal energy and electricity) through the collisions of atoms or molecules and the actions of loosely bound electrons.

5. Convection • The transfer of heat via the expansion of fluid or gas resulting in the matter becoming less dense and rising.

6. Radiant Energy • Any Energy, including Heat, that is transmitted through empty space or the atmosphere. • Radiant Energy is in the form of Electromagnetic Waves. • This includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays and gamma rays.

7. Radiation • The transfer of Heat Energy through the atmosphere or free space (vacuum) without the reliance on conduction or convection. • The transfer occurs without the need for interaction with matter.

8. Absorber • Matter that absorbs more thermal energy than it reflects. • A dark colored object will make a good absorber.

9. Reflector • Matter that reflects more thermal energy than it absorbs. • A light colored or shinny object will make a good reflector.

10. Emitter • Matter that emits more thermal energy than it reflects. • A dark colored object will make a good emitter.