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What is heat?
The transfer of thermal energy between objects due to a difference in temperature. (Transit energy)
Internal energy
The total potential and kinetic energy of all the microscopic particles
Thermal energy
A term often used interchangeably with internal energy, specifically referring to the kinetic energy of particles due to their random motion.
Conduction
The transfer of heat through direct physical contact between particles of matter.
Thermometry
The science, methodology, and practice of measuring temperature.
Joule
The standard SI unit of measurement for energy, work, and heat.
Absolute Zero
The lowest possible theoretical temperature where all molecular motion stops. It is defined as 0 K or -273.15°C.
Convection
The transfer of heat through the bulk movement of fluids (liquids or gases) caused by density differences.
Absolute scale
A temperature scale that starts at absolute zero. The Kelvin (K) scale is the absolute scale used in physics.
Heat Capacity
The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of an entire object by 1°C or 1 K.
Specific heat
The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 unit of mass (like 1 gram or 1 kilogram) of a specific substance by 1°C.
Radiation
The transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. This is the only type of heat transfer that can travel through a vacuum (like sunlight traveling through space).
Law of Heat Exchange
Based on the conservation of energy, in an isolated system, the heat lost by warmer objects must equal the heat gained by cooler objects.
Endothermic
A process or reaction that absorbs heat energy from its surroundings.
Exothermic
A process or reaction that releases heat energy into its surroundings.
What type of heat transfer mecanism is the following scenario?
"A home radiator warming up a room by circulating warm air to the ceiling while pulling cool air across the floor."
Convection
Thermal conductor
Conductors (like metals) easily transfer heat energy.
Thermal Insulator
Insulators (like wood or fiberglass) resist the flow of heat.
How much is 10°C in Kelvin?
283.15 K
What type of heat transfer mecanism is the following scenario?
"Feeling the warmth of the Sun on your face"
Radiation