Introduction to Thermodynamics, Specific Heat Capacity, and Enthalpy

Vocabulary flashcards generated from lecture notes covering thermodynamic laws, heat transfer equations, calorimetry, and material energy properties.

Energy

The observable ability to do work and/or produce heat.

First Law of Thermodynamics

A fundamental principle stating that energy cannot be created nor destroyed, but is transferred from one form or object to another.

Heat Energy ($q$)

An energy quantity measured in joules or kilojoules that is directly proportional to temperature, though distinct from temperature itself.

Absolute Zero

The zero point on the Kelvin scale ($0\,\text{K}$) representing the theoretical threshold below which temperatures cannot go.

Specific Heat Capacity ($S$ or $C$)

A constant positive value unique to a specific substance that quantifies how much heat energy is required to change the temperature of one gram of the substance by one degree Celsius.

Conductors

Materials with low specific heat capacity thresholds that offer low resistance and readily transfer heat or electrical energy.

Insulators

Materials with high specific heat capacity thresholds that resist changes in energy and absorb heat without rapidly transferring it.

Endothermic Process

A process in which a system absorbs energy from its surroundings, corresponding to a positive change in temperature ($\Delta T > 0$) and a positive heat value ($q > 0$).

Exothermic Process

A process in which a system releases energy to its surroundings, corresponding to a negative change in temperature ($\Delta T < 0$) and a negative heat value ($q < 0$).

Change in Temperature ($\Delta T$)

The difference calculated by subtracting the initial temperature from the final temperature ($T_{\text{final}} - T_{\text{initial}}$).

Calorimetry

The experimental concept and application used to measure heat energy transfer between a system and its surroundings within a closed system based on the First Law of Thermodynamics.

Coffee Cup Calorimetry

A practical, cost-efficient laboratory application of calorimetry that uses Styrofoam cups to create a closed, insulating environment for measuring heat transfer.

Bomb Calorimetry

A precise form of calorimetry using a vacuum-sealed chamber where a small sample is combusted to determine its energy threshold.

Enthalpy

A thermodynamic relationship defining the amount of heat energy released or absorbed per molar quantity of a substance.