thermodynamics

System

A collection of objects that can be identified.

Surroundings

Everything else that isn't part of the system.

Open system

Can exchange both matter and energy with its surroundings.

Closed system

Can exchange energy with its surroundings.

Isolated system

Cannot exchange matter or energy with its surroundings.

First law of thermodynamics

In any closed system, a change in energy must be caused by work or heat being gained or lost.

Temperature

The measure of average kinetic energy of all the particles in an object.

Heat

The energy transferred between objects at different temperatures.

Thermal conduction

The transfer of energy through collision of particles.

Convection

The transfer of energy through the movement of a fluid.

Radiation

Energy transferred as electromagnetic waves.

Change of state of matter

Caused by a transfer of energy.

Melting

Change from solid to liquid due to particles breaking away from rigid positions.

Evaporation

Change from liquid to gas due to temperature and pressure.

Condensation

Change from gas to liquid when gas touches a cold surface.

Freezing

Change from liquid to solid, releasing energy.

Heat transfer between objects

Flows from higher temperature to lower temperature.

Particle level

Particles are in constant motion.

Direction of heat transfer

From higher temperature to lower temperature.

Heat transfer stop

When objects reach thermal equilibrium, with the initial temperatures adjusting to be the same.