Thermal Equilibrium Vocabulary

This flashcard set covers the fundamental definitions and units related to temperature, heat, and the state of thermal equilibrium as described in the lecture notes.

Temperature

A numerical measure of hot and cold that is related to the average kinetic energy of individual atoms.

SI unit for temperature

$$Kelvin$$

Heat

A form of energy (not a force) with the SI unit of $Joules$ ($J$).

Heat transfer (rate)

A process where energy transfers at a faster rate from a hot object to a cold object and slowly from a cold to a hot object.

Thermal equilibrium

A state achieved when the heat transfer rates between two objects are equal, resulting in a net heat transfer of $0\,Joules$.

Net heat transfer at equilibrium

$$0\,Joules$$

Characteristics of Thermal Equilibrium

A condition where the temperatures of all objects are equal and there is no net gain or loss of energy between them.