Chapter 13- Temperature and Energy Transfer

This set of flashcards covers the key concepts related to temperature, energy transfer, and related terms in physics.

Temperature

Measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in an object.

Kinetic Energy

The energy that an object possesses due to its motion.

Thermometer

An instrument that measures and indicates temperature.

Kelvin scale

Temperature scale based on absolute zero, where absolute zero is the lowest temperature possible.

Absolute Zero

The lowest temperature possible, where objects have no energy and particles have no movement.

Heat

The energy transferred between objects that are at different temperatures.

Thermal Conduction

The transfer of energy through a material by direct contact of two objects.

Convection

Movement of a fluid due to differences in density caused by temperature variations.

Convection current

Cycle of heated fluid that rises, cools, and falls.

Radiation

Energy transfer as electromagnetic waves.

Conductors

Materials through which energy (electricity, thermal energy) can be easily transferred.

Insulators

Materials through which energy cannot be easily transferred.

Specific Heat

The amount of energy required to raise 1 kg of a substance by 1 K.

Celsius scale

Temperature scale where 0C is the freezing point of water and 100C is the boiling point of water. It is used widely in the metric system.

Fahrenheit scale

Temperature scale where 32F is the freezing point of water and 212F is the boiling point of water. It is commonly used in the United States and a few other countries.

Celsius to Fahrenheit Conversion

F= (1.8x Celsius temp.)+32

Fahrenheit to Celsius Conversion

C=(Fahrenheit−32)/ 1.8

Celsius to Kelvin Conversion

K=Celsius Temperature + 273

Kelvin to Celsius Conversion

C=Kelvin Temperature−273

Example of Radiation

Feeling the warmth from the sun or a campfire without directly touching them. This type of heat transfer occurs through electromagnetic waves, allowing heat to travel through space.

Example of Convection

Boiling water in a pot, where the heated water at the bottom rises and cooler water sinks.This is a process of heat transfer through a fluid (liquid or gas) due to the motion caused by the density of the fluid itself, circulating warm and cool areas.

Example of Thermal Conduction

Touching a hot stove and feeling the heat transfer directly to your hand. This is the process of heat transfer through direct contact between materials, where heat moves from the hotter object to the cooler one.