Temperature, Heat & Thermal Properties Explained | Chapter 17 of University Physics
Temperature, Heat & Thermal Properties Explained | Chapter 17 of University Physics Chapter 17 introduces the fundamental concepts of temperature and heat, showing how materials respond to thermal energy. We’ll cover how thermal equilibrium defines temperature, the scales we use to measure it, how materials expand when heated, the relationship between heat and temperature changes, phase transitions, and the three modes of heat transfer. Watch the full video summary here for detailed examples and demonstrations. Thermal Equilibrium & Temperature Scales When two systems in contact share no net heat flow, they reach thermal equilibrium ; this principle underlies the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics. Temperature scales quantify this property: Celsius: 0 °C at water’s freeze, 100 °C at boil Kelvin: K = °C + 273.15, with the triple point of water at 273.16 K Fahrenheit: 32 °F freeze, 212 °F boil Thermometers exploit physical changes—liquid expansion or resistance...