P1: Thermal Physics Flashcards
Evaporation
It is the escape of the more energetic particles and occurs constantly on the surface of liquids
Thermistor thermometer
It contains a material that becomes a better electrical conductor when the temperature rises (semi-conductor). So when temperature increases, a higher current flows from a battery, causing a higher reading on the meter
Liquid in glass thermometer
In this thermometer, As temperature rises or falls, the liquid (mercury or alcohol) expands or contracts. Amount of expansion can be matched to temperature on a scale.
Thermocouple thermometer
In this thermometer, The probe contains 2 different metals joined metals to form 2 junctions. The temperature difference causes a tiny voltage which makes a current flow. A greater temperature difference gives a greater current. Thermocouple thermometers are used for high temperatures
Sensitivity
The change occurring on a scale with respect to the physical change of the quantity measured.
Range
The interval between the upper and lower fixed points on any scale
Linearity
When intervals on a scale is the same throughout.
Responsiveness
How long it takes for the thermometer to react to a change in temperature
Melting point
This is when a solid turns into a liquid. Temperature increases thus kinetic energy in solid increases and particles vibrate more rapidly but there is no increase in temperature of the substance when melting because thermal energy supplied is instead being used to overcome the forces of attraction between particles of the solid thus turning it into a liquid
Boiling point
This is when a liquid turns into a gas. Energy is supplied thus internal kinetic energy of the molecules in the liquid increases and particles vibrate more rapidly but there is no increase in temperature of the substance
Latent Heat of Fusion
This is the heat needed to change a mass of 1 kg the substance from a solid at its melting point into liquid at the same temperature
Condensation
Is when a gas turns back into a liquid
Solidification
The change of a liquid or gas to solid
Insulators
Are used to reduce the amount of heat lost to the surroundings
Conduction
Is the flow of heat through
Convection
Is the flow of heat through a fluid from places of higher temperature in places of lower temperature by movement of the fluid itself
Radiation
Is the flow of heat from one place to another by means of electromagnetic waves
Thermal radiation
Is mainly infra-red waves, but very hot objects also give out light waves. Infra-red radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum
Emitter
Sends out thermal radiation
Reflector
Reflects thermal radiation, therefore is a bad absorber
Solar panel
The sun’s thermal radiation is absorbed by a matt black surface and warms up the pipes containing water
Kelvin
Temperature scale based on average kinetic energy of particles. Lowest possible temperature is 0 K.
Celsius
Temperature scale based on freezing and boiling points of water.
kinetic particle model
All matter is made atoms in constant motion.
Solid
Particles vibrate, and are held in position by strong attractive and repulsive forces.
Liquid
Particles have more freedom to move than those in a solid.
Gas
Particles are in constant random motion.
Heat
Thermal energy that is transferred from one substance to another.