Physics Chapter 21

Temperature, Heat, and Expansion

Terms and Objectives


New Terms in Ch 21:

temperature Celsius Fahrenheit Kelvin
absolute zero heat internal energy thermal contact
thermal equilibrium calorie Calorie kilocalorie
specific heat capacity thermal expansion bimetallic strip thermostat

Chapter 21 Objectives:

After completing chapter 21, you should be able to:

  1. ... discuss the similarities and differences between the Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin temperature scales.
  2. ... associate the temperature of a substance with the average linear kinetic energy of its molecules.
  3. ... distinguish between heat and internal energy.
  4. ... define "thermal contact", and describe what happens when two objects are placed in thermal contact.
  5. ... discuss the requirements for thermal equilibrium between two objects.
  6. ... discuss the calorie, kilocalorie, Calorie, and Joule as measures of heat energy.
  7. ... discuss what it means for a substance to have a high or low specific heat capacity.
  8. ... state that water has a high specific heat, and discuss consequences of this fact.
  9. ... solve simple numerical problems involving heat transfer using the equation Q = mc delta_T.
  10. ... recognize that substances generally expand when heated.
  11. ... discuss the relative rates of expansion of solids, liquids, and gasses.
  12. ... explain what happens to a heated bimetallic strip.
  13. ... discuss the unusual expansion behavior of water, and recognize that water reaches its maximum density at 4oC.
  14. ... explain why bodies of water freeze from the top downward

last update January 28, 2006 by JL Stanbrough