Temperature and Thermal Equilibrium

Need for Warmth

The necessity that has prompted the creation of technologies for controlling heat and energy.

Steam Engines

Machines first invented by Thomas Newcomen in 1705, improved by James Watt, and powered early trains, steamboats, and factories.

How Steam Engines Work

Heat boils water to create steam, which moves machinery.

Coal Stoves

Used for cooking and heating homes before electricity; efficient but polluting.

Hair Dryer

A thermal technology that heats air to evaporate water from hair faster.

Oven Mitts

Insulated materials designed to handle hot items.

Ski Suits

Clothing designed to trap body heat and keep wearers warm and dry.

Thermostats

Devices that control heating/cooling systems to maintain comfortable room temperatures.

Solar Heaters

Devices that use sunlight for heating, reducing the need for fossil fuels.

Fossil Fuels

Energy sources originally from ancient plants, burned to create heat.

Thermal Energy

Total kinetic energy of particles in a substance.

Heat

Transfer of thermal energy measured in Joules.

Temperature

The average kinetic energy of particles measured in degrees Celsius.

Solids

Matter with tightly packed particles that vibrate in place.

Liquids

Matter with particles that have more space and can flow around each other.

Gases

Matter with spread-out particles that move freely.

Water’s Unique Behavior

Water expands as it freezes, unlike most substances.

Atoms

Tiny particles that make up all matter.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of movement associated with particles.

Conduction

Transfer of heat through direct contact between materials.

Convection

Transfer of heat by the movement of fluids (air or water).

Radiation

Transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves without contact.

Law of Conservation of Energy

States that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transformed.

Law of Conservation of Matter

States that matter can change form but cannot be created or destroyed.

Difference between Heat and Temperature

Heat is the transfer of energy, while temperature is a measure of energy.

Effects of Heat on Particle Movement

Adding heat makes particles move faster, increasing their kinetic energy.

Space Between Particles

Increases from solids to liquids to gases.

Example of Conduction

Metal feels cold as it conducts heat away from your hand.

Example of Convection

Hot air rises, creating currents.