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

• Temperature and thermometer
• Heat capacity and specific heat
• Changes of state and latent heat
• Heat transfer

Exercises

• Tutti gli esercizi svolti del capitolo