Thermal - GCSE Physics Definition

'Thermal' refers to anything related to heat or temperature. In GCSE Physics, understanding thermal concepts helps explain how heat is transferred from one place to another. This can happen through conduction, where heat passes through solids; convection, where heat moves through liquids and gases; and radiation, where heat travels in the form of waves, like from the sun. It's important to study how different materials conduct heat, as those that let heat pass through easily are called conductors, and those that don't are insulators. By learning about thermal energy, we can understand everyday things, like why ice melts or how radiators keep a room warm.