Unit 7: Temperature and Heat

A set of flashcards covering key concepts related to temperature, heat, and their effects on matter.

Heat

The transfer of thermal energy between objects or systems at different temperatures.

Temperature

A measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles within a substance.

Thermal Equilibrium

Condition when two objects or systems are at the same temperature and have no net heat flow between them.

Celsius Scale

A temperature scale where 0°C is the freezing point of water.

Kelvin Scale

An absolute temperature scale where 0 K represents absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature.

Thermal Expansion

The increase in size of a substance as it absorbs heat, causing its particles to move faster and further apart.

Coefficient of Linear Expansion (α)

A material property that quantifies how much a material expands per degree Celsius (or Kelvin) of temperature change.

Anomalous Expansion of Water

The unusual behavior of water between 0°C and 4°C, where it expands as it cools.

Specific Heat Capacity (c)

The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 K (or 1°C).

Heat Capacity

The amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature of an entire object by 1 K (or 1°C).

Latent Heat

The heat energy absorbed or released during a change of state without a change in temperature.

Latent Heat of Fusion (Lf)

The amount of heat energy required to change 1 kg of a substance from solid to liquid at its melting point.

Latent Heat of Vaporisation (Lv)

The amount of heat energy required to change 1 kg of a substance from liquid to gas at its boiling point.