Temperature and Heat Unit 6: Thermal Energy
The Kinetic Theory of Matter The kinetic theory of matter states that all matter is made up of tiny particles (atoms or molecules) that are in constant motion The particles are either vibrating in place or moving around When materials heat up, these particles move faster When materials cool, particle speed decreases
Heat Transfer Heat is the transfer of energy from one object to another because of differences in temperature Heat ALWAYS flows from areas of high temperature to areas of low temperature
Temperature Temperature is a measure of how hot or cold an object is compared to a reference point Temperature is the average kinetic energy of the particles in an object
Temperature Three scales are used to measure temperature: Fahrenheit (℉) Celsius (℃) Kelvin (K) → no degree symbol
Fahrenheit (℉) Fahrenheit is the temperature scale used in the United States Boiling point of water in ℉ = 212 ℉ Freezing point of water in ℉ = 32 ℉
Celsius (℃) Celsius is used in most other countries Boiling point of water in ℃ = 100 ℃ Freezing point of water in ℃ = 0 ℃
Kelvin (K) Kelvin is the SI (International System of Units) for temperature 0 K = absolute zero At absolute zero, particle movement stops completely It is a theoretical value (has not been achieved yet)