Thermal energy is the energy that arises from the motion of particles within an object or system. It is a form of kinetic energy that is transferred from one object to another due to a temperature difference. The higher the temperature of an object, the greater the thermal energy it possesses.
To understand thermal energy better, let's consider an example of heating water on a stove.
Suppose we have a pot filled with water and place it on a stove. As we turn on the heat, the stove transfers thermal energy to the bottom of the pot. This thermal energy is then conducted through the pot's material, causing the water molecules to vibrate more rapidly. As a result, the water heats up and its temperature rises.
To quantify the amount of thermal energy transferred, we can use the formula:
Q = mcΔT
Where:
Q is the amount of thermal energy transferred (in joules)
m is the mass of the substance (in kilograms)
c is the specific heat capacity of the substance (in joules per kilogram per degree Celsius)
ΔT is the change in temperature (in degrees Celsius)
Let's assume we have 1 kg of water in the pot, and the specific heat capacity of water is 4,186 J/kg°C. If we heat the water from 20°C to 100°C, we can calculate the thermal energy transferred:
Q = 1 kg × 4,186 J/kg°C × (100°C - 20°C)
Q = 1 kg × 4,186 J/kg°C × 80°C
Q = 334,880 J
Therefore, in this example, we transferred 334,880 joules of thermal energy to the water, resulting in an increase in temperature from 20°C to 100°C.
Overall, understanding thermal energy helps us comprehend how heat flows and how temperature changes in various objects or systems. This knowledge is essential for various applications, such as designing efficient heating or cooling systems and understanding the behavior of materials at different temperature ranges.
Thermal Energy Sample Work Science 8 Q1 / Thermal Energy
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