Thermal Dynamics and Heat Transfer Concepts

These flashcards cover key concepts related to thermal dynamics, heat transfer methods, and important physical properties relevant to temperature measurement and behavior.

Thermal Equilibrium

A state in which two systems have no heat flow between them; they are at the same temperature.

Thermometer

An instrument used to measure temperature, often relying on physical properties that change with temperature.

Convection

A method of heat transfer involving the movement of fluid or gas, carrying heat with it.

Anomalous Expansion

The unusual property of water where it expands upon freezing, causing ice to occupy more volume than the liquid form.

Specific Heat

The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass by 1°C.

Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics

If system A is in thermal equilibrium with system B, and system B is in thermal equilibrium with system C, then system A is in thermal equilibrium with system C.

Latent Heat

The amount of heat absorbed or released during a phase change of a substance without a change in temperature.

Hooke’s Law

A principle stating that the force needed to extend or compress a spring is proportional to the distance it is stretched or compressed.

Pressure-Temperature Relationship

The relationship defined by gas laws, where the pressure of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature when volume is held constant.

Mole

A unit that measures the amount of substance containing Avogadro's number of entities (approximately 6.02 x 10²³).

Heat Transfer Methods

Includes conduction (direct contact), convection (fluid movement), and radiation (energy carried through space).

Kelvin Scale

A temperature scale designed with absolute zero (0K) as the lowest possible temperature, with each increment equal to one degree Celsius.