Thermodynamics Review - Specific Heat Capacity & Latent Heat

This set of flashcards covers the key concepts of thermodynamics, specifically focusing on specific heat capacity and latent heat, internal energy, absolute zero, and the laws concerning black body radiation.

What is the definition of specific heat capacity?

The energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of a substance by one kelvin.

What factors affect the increase in temperature of an object?

The amount of heat energy transferred, the mass of the object, and the specific heat capacity of the material.

What does the equation ΔE = mcΔθ represent?

It represents the amount of heat energy needed to change the temperature of an object.

What does ΔE represent in the equation ΔE = mcΔθ?

Change in heat energy, measured in joules (J).

How is specific heat capacity measured?

In joules per kilogram per degree Kelvin (J/kg K or J/kg °C).

What is latent heat?

The thermal energy required to change the state of one kilogram of a substance without any change in temperature.

What are the two types of latent heat?

Specific latent heat of fusion (melting) and specific latent heat of vaporisation (boiling).

Which substance has a high specific heat capacity making it ideal for heating homes?

Water.

What happens when a substance changes state regarding temperature?

There is no temperature change during changes of state.

What is the specific latent heat of fusion of water?

330 kJ kg-1.

What is the specific latent heat of vaporisation of water?

2.26 MJ kg-1.

What does the term 'internal energy' refer to?

The sum of the kinetic and potential energies of all the molecules within a given mass of a substance.

What does absolute zero refer to?

The lowest temperature possible, equal to 0 K or -273.15 °C.

What is the relation between average molecular kinetic energy and temperature?

The mean kinetic energy of a gas molecule is proportional to its thermodynamic temperature.

What is a perfect black body?

An object that absorbs (or emits) all the radiation incident on it and does not reflect or transmit any radiation.

What does the Stefan-Boltzmann Law state?

The total energy emitted by a black body per unit area per second is proportional to the fourth power of the absolute temperature of the body.

What does Wien’s Law state?

The black body radiation curve for different temperatures peaks at a wavelength that is inversely proportional to the temperature.