General Physics (Thermal Energy and Expansion Exam)

10/19/2026

Thermodynamics

The study of how energy and heat are transferred, and how they change the form and temperature of matter.

Heat

is the transfer of thermal energy due to a temperature difference. It changes the temperature and state of matter.

Work

is the transfer of energy when a force causes a change in motion or volume. In thermodynamics, it's often linked with expansion or compression.

Temperature

Average speed of particles.

Thermal Energy

Total energy of all particles combined. Depends on microscopic motion AND amount of matter.

Heat

is ENERGY IN TRANSIT.

Hot to Cold

Heat moves from ________ to ________

Thermal Equilibrium

Temperatures equalize. Net heat transfer STOPS. Particles STILL MOVE!

Balancing point

Thermal Equilibrium is also known as:

Thermal Expansion

It is described as “heating increases particle motion, vibrating particles push apart (average separation increases), and the entire solid object gets bigger”

Linear Expansion

is the increase in the length of a solid material when its temperature increases.