All Flashcards
Compare and contrast linear thermal expansion and volumetric thermal expansion.
Linear Expansion: Change in length, described by . | Volumetric Expansion: Change in volume, described by .
Differentiate between materials with high thermal conductivity and low thermal conductivity.
High Conductivity: Conduct heat efficiently, used in cooking pots. | Low Conductivity: Insulate against heat transfer, used in building insulation.
What is Thermal Contact?
When two systems can exchange energy through thermal processes.
Define Thermal Equilibrium.
When two systems reach the same temperature, and there's no net energy transfer between them.
What is Thermal Conductivity (k)?
A material's ability to conduct heat. High 'k' means heat moves easily; low 'k' means it doesn't.
Define Thermal Expansion.
The tendency of matter to change in volume in response to changes in temperature.
What is Heating in thermal processes?
Energy entering a system via thermal processes.
What is Cooling in thermal processes?
Energy leaving a system via thermal processes.
What is the effect of increasing the temperature of a metal rod?
The metal rod will undergo thermal expansion, increasing in length and volume.
What is the effect of bringing two objects at different temperatures into thermal contact?
Heat will transfer from the hotter object to the cooler object until they reach thermal equilibrium.
What happens when atomic collisions occur between high-energy and low-energy atoms?
Higher-energy atoms transfer energy to lower-energy atoms.
What is the effect of increasing the cross-sectional area (A) of a material on the rate of heat transfer, according to Fourier's Law?
Increasing the cross-sectional area increases the rate of heat transfer.
What is the effect of increasing the temperature gradient (dT/dx) on the rate of heat transfer, according to Fourier's Law?
Increasing the temperature gradient increases the rate of heat transfer.