Thermal Energy

Question 1

Describe the caloric theory:

Answer 1

In 18-19th century, it was believed that heat was a colourless, tasteless fluid called caloric.
- When it flowed from one object to the other, the first object cooled down and the second heated up.

Question 2

Who concluded that process of heating/cooling was a form of transfer of energy?

Answer 2

James Prescott Joule, set up a falling weight that caused a paddle wheel to turn. The friction caused the temperature of the water to increase.

Question 3

Kinetic Theory: (Particle Theory)

Answer 3

• All matter consists of tiny particles
• Electrical forces, both attractive and repulsive, exist between these particles
• Collisions between particles involve no loss of kinetic energy (perfectly elastic)
• Distances between particles are large compared to size of particles.

Question 4

Thermal Energy:

Answer 4

Thermal energy is the sum of all kinetic and potential energy stored within all particles of an object.
- Kinetic energy determines how fast they are moving.
- Potential energy is the attractive/repulsive force on neighbouring particles by other particles.

Question 5

Temperature:

Answer 5

Temperature refers to the average kinetic energy of an object’s particles.
- It goes from an object with high temperature to one that has a lower temperature.
- (ºC)

Question 6

Heat:

Answer 6

Refers to the transfer of thermal energy from a body of higher temperature to one that has a lower temperature.

Question 7

Absolute Zero:

Answer 7

Refers to a point in the temperature in-which all particles are at their slowest.
- -273.15ºC
- 0K (Kelvin)