1. Transfer of Energy
Name______________________________________ Date___________
Objectives:
1. To understand the direction of energy is transferred
2. To distinguish the 3 methods of energy transfer; conduction, convection, and
radiation
3. To review Earth in the Energy Process
Objective 1: To understand the direction of energy is transfer
Energy moves from a region of high concentration (a source) to a region of low
concentration (a sink). This process of energy transfer from a region of high
temperature to a region of low temperature is known as heat energy. Heat
transfers thermal energy. Thermal energy is the combined energy of the motion of
all the atoms and number of molecules in a particular object.
This process of heat moving from hot to cold regions will continue until their
energies are equal. This state when their energies are equal is known as dynamic
equilibrium. When dynamic equilibrium is reached the regions gain and lose an
equal amount of heat energy and the temperature will not change.
Applied Questions
1. In the diagram below indicate which direction energy will be transferred:
2. In the diagram below identify the source and the sink:
3. Based on the diagram below which container has more thermal energy?
4. Based on the diagram below explain what needs to occur for dynamic
equilibrium to be reached and draw a new set of containers.
500 C 100 0C

2. Objective 2: Methods of Energy Transfer; Conduction, Convection and Radiation
Heat is transferred from areas of high concentration (thermal energy) to areas of
low concentration by three methods. These three methods are conduction,
convection, and radiation.
Conduction is the transfer
of heat energy from
vibrating atom to atom or
molecule to molecule during
collisions. Conduction
typically occurs in tightly
packed solids like a copper
pipe, or bar of aluminum.
Convection is the transfer of
heat through movement in
fluids, such as gas and
liquids. This movement is
caused by differences in
densities within the fluid.
Typically, hot fluids have
lower densities than cold
fluids. This process caused
dense cold fluids to sink and
hot less dense fluids to rise
which set up a circulation cell.
This allows oceans to
circulate, winds to blow and is
believed explain energy
transfer in the Earth’s Mantle!
Radiation is how energy is
transferred through electromagnetic
waves. No medium such as air or
water is needed for electromagnetic
eaves to travel. Electromagnetic
waves can radiate through space.
Radiation allows Earth to receive
the Sun’s electromagnetic energy.

3. Questions:
1. Differences in density will cause what type of energy transfer?
2. What type of energy transfer allows Earth to receive the Sun’s energy?
3. What type of energy transfer does not require a medium?
4. What type of energy transfer allows us to see supernovas?
5. How is energy transferred in a metal pipe?
6. Explain why ocean circulation occurs? Try your best!
7. Explain why we have winds? Use your knowledge of density and energy
transfers!
8. Explain the differences and similarities in the three types of energy transfer
(at least 3 examples of each).

4. 9. Draw a diagram of a convection current (use a pot of water on a stove as an
example).