Ch. 6 Thermal Energy

Something is hot

the temperature is high

The stove is heated

the temperature increases

Temperature

measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in the object

Thermal energy

the sum of all the kinetic and potential energy of all the particles

Heat

thermal energy that flows from something at a higher temperature to something at a lower temperature

Specific heat

the material is the amount of heat that is needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of some material by 1°C

Thermal Energy Equation

Q = m(Tf−Ti)C

The change in thermal energy of an object can be calculated from this equation

Q = m(T1 − Ti)C

Conduction

transfer of thermal energy by collisions between particles in matter; conduction occurs because particles in matter are in constant motion

Convection

the transfer of thermal energy in a fluid by the movement of warmer and cooler fluid from place to place

Solar collectors

used to absorb radiant energy from the Sun

Thermodynamics

the study of the relationship of thermal energy, heat and work

First law of thermodynamics

states that the increase in thermal energy of a system equals the work done on the system plus the heat transferred to the system

Second law of thermodynamics

states that it is impossible for heat to flow from a cool object to a warmer object unless work is done

Internal combustion engine

a heat engine that burns fuel inside the engine in chambers or cylinders