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Term
Term
Absolute zero
Definition
Definition
The theoretical lowest possible temperature, at which all molecular motion ceases. It is equal to -273.15°C or 0 K.
Apparent brightness
The amount of light that reaches an observer's eye from a source.
Black body
An ideal body that absorbs all electromagnetic radiation that falls on it.
Black body radiation
The radiation emitted by a black body.
Boiling
The process of a liquid changing to a gas throughout the entire liquid.
Conduction (Thermal)
The transfer of heat through direct contact.
Condensation
The process of a gas changing to a liquid.
Density
The mass of a substance per unit volume. ρ = m / V
Evaporating
The process of a liquid changing to a gas at the surface of the liquid.
Freeze
The process of a liquid changing to a solid.
Heat
The transfer of thermal energy from one system to another due to a temperature difference.
Humidity
The amount of water vapor in the air.
Immersion heater
A device that is used to heat a liquid by immersing it in the liquid.
Internal energy
The total energy of a system, including its thermal energy and its potential energy. It is also measured in joules (J).
Kinetic energy
The energy of motion of a particle. It is measured in joules (J). E = 3/2KbT
Kinetic theory of matter
The theory that explains the behavior of matter at the atomic and molecular level. It states that all matter is made up of tiny particles that are in constant motion.
Latent heat
The heat that is absorbed or released during a phase change.
Latent heat of fusion
The latent heat associated with melting or freezing.
Latent heat of vaporization
The latent heat associated with boiling or condensation.
Luminosity
The total amount of light emitted by a source.
Melting
The process of a solid changing to a liquid.
Phase of matter
A distinct state of matter, such as solid, liquid, or gas.
Specific heat capacity
The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree.
Specific Latent Heat
Specific latent heat is the amount of heat required to change the state of one kilogram of a substance without changing its temperature. It is measured in joules per kilogram
Thermal capacity
The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a system by one degree.
Thermal conductivity
The ability of a material to conduct heat.
Thermal equilibrium
The state of a system in which there is no net transfer of heat between its parts.
Thermal contact
The condition in which two systems are able to exchange heat.
Thermometer
A device used to measure temperature.
Vaporization
The process of a liquid changing to a gas.
Celsius scale
A temperature scale that uses the freezing point of water as 0°C and the boiling point of water as 100°C.
Kelvin scale
An absolute temperature scale that uses the triple point of water as 273.15 K.
Inverse square law
A law that states that the intensity of light decreases as the square of the distance from the source increases.
Intensity
The amount of power (energy) per unit area that is carried by a wave.
Refrigerant
A substance (fluid) that is used to transfer heat from one place to another. Used in refrigerators, air conditioners, and heat pumps.
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