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Heat & Thermal Energy

Everything around you is vibrating. Heat is the story of that motion: how it starts, how it spreads, and why it matters.

Metal spoons arranged on a wooden surface, contrasting metal and wood materials

1. Temperature vs. Thermal Energy

They feel the same — but they're completely different.

A metal pot heating over an open fire, showing heat conduction through the metal

2. Conduction: Heat Through Contact

Why your metal spoon handle gets hot in soup.

Steam rising from pots on a stove, showing convection currents in action

3. Convection: Heat Through Movement

People say "heat rises." That's not quite right.

Campfire flames and sparks radiating heat into the night

4. Radiation: Heat Through Empty Space

How the Sun heats Earth through literal nothingness.

A translucent ice cube melting on a reflective surface

5. Phase Changes: The Hidden Heat

You're adding heat but the temperature won't budge. Where's it going?