Thermal Energy Flashcards
What is thermal energy equal to?
The sum of the random distribution of the kinetic and potential energies of the object’s molecules l
When does molecular kinetic energy increase?
With temperature
When does potential thermal energy increase?
If an object changes state from solid to liquid or liquid to gas
Define temperature
Is a measure of the degree of hotness of a substance
When are two objects in thermal equilibrium?
When there is no net transfer of heat energy between them and will occur of both objects are at the same temperature
Define absolute zero
The lowest possible temperature, object at absolute zero has minimum internal energy.
Define temperature scales
Two fixed points which are standard degrees of hotness that can be accurately reproduced l
What is 0 degrees Celsius equal to in kelvins?
273k
Define specific heat capacity
The energy required to raise the temperature of a unit of mass of the substance by one kelvin without change of state
What is the unit of specific heat capacity?
Joules per kg per kelvin
Define specific latent heat
The energy required to change the state of unit mass of the substance without change of temperature
What is the unit of specific latent heat?
Joules per kg
What is the specific latent heat of fusion?
Change of state from solid to liquid
What is the specific latent heat of vaporisation?
Change of state from liquid to gas
Define Thermal Energy
Thermal energy is the energy of an object due to its temperature (also known as internal energy)
