Physics POGIL: Methods of Thermal Energy Transfer We have learned about two methods to transfer energy to a system: working

and heating. In the previous lab/demo we observed some of these methods. In this POGIL we will learn about how some of these methods work and introduce a third way to transfer energy, by radiating. Energy Transfer by Heating, Working, and Radiating Heating

80C

10C

The two blocks above transfer thermal energy by heating because they have different temperatures. Your book refers to this as energy transfer by conduction. Energy is transferred via vibrating atoms or molecules colliding with other atoms or molecules. How quickly the blocks transfer energy depends upon the material of which they are made. Metals tend to transfer energy quickly because their electrons are very mobile. Matter with less mobile electrons do not transfer energy as quickly and are called insulators.

Working

Working is the transfer of energy by means of force acting on a system over a distance. When working transfers thermal energy, we call it convection. An example is shown in the picture above. Buoyant forces exert a force on the fluid itself as it moves, thereby carrying energy to different parts of the system. This occurs because as blobs of matter change temperature, their density (mass per unit of volume) changes and forces them up or down. Radiating

The picture above shows the burner of an electric oven that is transferring energy by radiating. Radiating raises or lowers the thermal energy of an object by emitting or absorbing electromagnetic waves. Recall that electromagnetic waves are partly electric and partly magnetic in their characteristics. Examples include light, infrared, radio waves, ultraviolet, and X-rays. All objects with a temperature greater than 0 K radiate.

Physics 1. How does conduction occur at the molecular level?

2. Create a Venn diagram of the three methods of energy transfer described above (heating, working, and radiating). The diagram should show what characteristics are unique to each mode, what each pair has in common, and what all three have in common.

3. Which methods require a medium to transfer energy? That is, which methods require the presence of matter surrounding the object?

4. Describe a situation where energy is transferred by working but is not considered convection.

5. Many older homes in Chicago and other metropolitan areas rely on hot water or steam to heat their homes. The hot water or steam is piped to metal radiators, like the one shown below, that are often placed under windows. Explain how the radiator transfers energy to the room.

Physics 6. In homes, much more insulation is placed in the attic than in the walls. What does this indicate about the main method of energy transfer from the home to the outside (or vice-versa)? Identify other ways by which homes are insulated to slow the rate of thermal energy transfer.

7. The picture on the right shows smoke from an extinguished candle. Why does the smoke rise and then settle off?

8. Imogene is imagining the objects shown in the illustration below. Which of the objects continually transfer energy via radiating?