Thermology: heat, temperature, changes of state

Before tackling the kinetic theory of gases we need a language for talking about temperature, heat, heat capacity and changes of state: this is thermology, the physics of thermal phenomena before microscopic models. Heat $Q$ is the energy that flows between bodies due to a temperature difference; it is measured in joules (or calories). To heat a body requires $Q = m\,c\,\Delta T$; to change its state requires $Q = m\,L$.

Sections

• Temperatura e termometro
• Capacità termica e calore specifico
• Cambiamenti di stato e calore latente
• Trasmissione del calore

Exercises

• Tutti gli esercizi svolti del capitolo