Thermal Energy, Temperature Scales, and Specific Heat Formulas

Temperature

A measure of the average kinetic energy and particle velocity in matter.

Heat Energy

The sum total of kinetic energies of particles; flows from hot to cold.

Thermometer Function

Shows particle speeds through thermal expansion and contraction.

Celsius Scale

Temperature scale where water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C.

Kelvin Scale

Absolute temperature scale where 0 K is absolute zero with no negative values.

Kelvin to Celsius Formula

K = °C + 273

Specific Heat

Heat required to raise 1 gram of a substance by 1°C.

Heat Formula

q = m · c · ΔT

Water Specific Heat

Very high value (4.184 J/g°C), causing it to heat and cool slowly.

Metal Specific Heat

Typically low values under 1 J/g°C, causing them to heat and cool quickly.

What does q stand for?

Heat energy (in joules or cals)

What does m stand for?

mass

What does c stand for?

specific heat (J/gC)

What does ∆T stand for?

Change in temperature

Importance of ˚C and K in ∆T?

∆T˚C = ∆T K

Celcius to Kelvin formula

˚C = K - 273

cal to joule conversion

1 cal = 4.184 joules