Thermal Physics

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the key concepts from the physics lecture notes.

Law of Conservation of Energy

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of an object due to its motion, calculated using the formula K.E = ½ mv².

Potential Energy

The energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration, often related to height and gravitational force.

Convection

The transfer of heat by the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) due to density differences caused by temperature variations.

Conduction

The process of heat transfer through direct contact of particles in a solid substance.

Radiation

The transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves without requiring a medium.

Boyle's Law

States that the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume when temperature is held constant.

Charles' Law

States that the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature when pressure is held constant.

Evaporation

The process by which molecules at the surface of a liquid gain enough energy to enter the gas phase.

Thermometric Liquid

A liquid used in thermometers that expands or contracts with temperature changes.