Lesson 7: Temperature, Thermal Energy, and Heat
Science 6 B Unit 2: Energy
Lesson 7 explains the concepts of temperature, thermal energy, and heat. These concepts are part of Unit 2: Energy in Science 6 B.
Temperature refers to the measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance. It is commonly measured using a thermometer and is usually expressed in degrees Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F). To understand temperature, you need to learn how to measure it accurately.
To measure temperature, you can use a thermometer. There are different types of thermometers, such as mercury and digital thermometers. To measure temperature with a thermometer, place the thermometer stem or probe in the substance whose temperature you want to measure. Allow the thermometer some time to adjust to the temperature of the substance, and then check the reading on the thermometer scale to determine the temperature.
Thermal energy refers to the total kinetic energy of particles in a substance. It depends on the mass, speed, and arrangement of the particles. To understand thermal energy, you need to understand how it is related to the temperature and the specific heat capacity of a substance.
Thermal energy can be calculated using the formula: Thermal energy = mass × specific heat capacity × change in temperature. The mass refers to the amount of substance, the specific heat capacity is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C, and the change in temperature is the difference between the initial and final temperatures.
Heat is the transfer of thermal energy between substances that are at different temperatures. It occurs from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature. Heat transfer can occur through various processes, such as conduction, convection, and radiation.
To understand heat transfer, you should learn about the different methods of heat transfer and their application in real-life situations. Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between objects. Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids, such as air or liquids. Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, such as the heat we receive from the sun.
By studying temperature, thermal energy, and heat, you will gain a better understanding of how energy is transferred and how it affects the behavior of substances. This knowledge is essential in understanding the broader concept of energy and its various forms and transformations.