Chapter 16_ Thermal Energy and Heat

Heat

The transfer of thermal energy from one object to another due to temperature difference.

Temperature

A measure of how hot or cold an object is compared to a reference point.

Absolute Zero

The theoretical temperature of 0 K, where all kinetic motion of particles stops.

Thermal Energy

The total potential energy and kinetic energy of particles in an object.

Thermal Expansion

The expanding of matter when heated.

Specific Heat

The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1g of a material by 1 degree Celsius.

Calorimeter

A device used to measure changes in thermal energy.

Conduction

The transfer of heat from one object to another or directly between two touching objects.

Convection

The transfer of thermal energy when particles of a fluid move from one place to another.

Radiation

The transfer of heat by electromagnetic waves moving through space.

Thermal Conductors

Materials that conduct thermal energy well, such as copper and aluminum.

Thermal Insulators

Materials that conduct thermal energy poorly, such as air and wool.

First Law of Thermodynamics

Energy is conserved.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Thermal energy can flow from colder objects to hotter objects only if work is done on the system.

Third Law of Thermodynamics

Absolute zero cannot be reached.

Energy Change Formula

Q = m x c x ΔT, used to calculate the energy change.

Convection Current

The circular current created when heated fluids rise to the surface of cooler fluids and then cool and sink.