Thermodynamics

Question 1

Which temperature scale uses the freezing point of water as 0 degrees?

Answer 1

Celsius

The boiling point of water on this scale is 100°C.

Question 2

How is heat transferred through a vacuum?

Answer 2

By radiation

Heat transfer by conduction and convection works by particles colliding and transferring energy. There are no particles in a vacuum. Radiation does not require a material medium, which is why energy can transfer through empty space, like sunlight reaching Earth.

Question 3

How is heat transferred in solids through direct contact between particles?

Answer 3

By conduction

Conduction is most efficient in solids, especially in metals, which are good thermal conductors.

Question 4

What does the specific heat of a substance measure?

Answer 4

The amount of heat required to raise the temperature given a specific amount of mass of a material.

Water has a relatively high specific heat, meaning it requires a lot of energy to change its temperature.

Question 5

What does calorimetry measure?

Answer 5

The amount of heat transferred to or from a substance.

Calorimetry is a way to measure how much heat is absorbed or released. Scientists use it to understand energy changes in things like cooking or mixing chemicals.