How does the Study of Heat Relate to the Kinetic Theory of Matter - Essay Example

Ans. The study of heat can be best explained with scientific logic and reasoning. It is different than kinetic theory of matter. Heat is responsible for constituting kinetic energy. The greater the heat the greater will be the kinetic energy of a substance. According to kinetic theory of matter, all the substances (matter) are made up of small particles. These particles have a rapid random motion. The kinetic theory of matter explains the differences of three states of matter such as solids, liquids and gases (Kittel and Kroemer, 1980). These three states differ in the amount of heat they possess. For example, if equal amount of heat is supplied to all of them, the gas will be the first matter to break apart because of its loosely bound particles. On the other hand, a liquid substance would break due to the stretching ability of its particles reacting against the forces of attraction. However, solids take time to break apart and hence, possess the ability to break apart slowly as compare to liquids and gases. 1- What is heat? Ans. Heat is a form of energy. It is formed in a substance due to the movement of its atoms and molecules in a random motion. When energy is induced in an object, it causes the atoms and the molecules of an object to move at a higher speed thus causing heat in the object. It has also been found out that even the cold objects possess some degree of heat in them because of the movement in their atoms and molecules. Joules is used as a standard unit to measure heat (Kittel and Kroemer, 1980). 2- What is temperature? Ans. The average heat or thermal energy of the particles in an object is known as the temperature of that substance. It is important to know that, since temperature is the average measurement of the heat or the thermal energy therefore, it is not dependent on the quantity of the particles present in an object. It is the physical property of an object which differentiates between the degree of hotness and coldness (Kittel and Kroemer, 1980). Temperature has three standardized temperature scales such as Kelvin (K), Celsius (C), and Fahrenheit (F). However, Celsius is widely used around the world to measure temperature. 3- Explain the relationship between the Heat and the Temperature? Ans. Heat and temperature are closely interrelated with each other. Their relationship is dependent on the change in the state of the matter from solid to liquid and then to gas. We know that heat is a form of energy whereas, temperature is the effect produced from the heat. The more the heat, the higher will be the temperature and on the other hand, the lesser the heat, the lesser will be the temperature (Kittel and Kroemer, 1980). 4- Explain the differences between the heat and the temperature? Ans. Heat is the quantity of energy present in a body. It is measured in Joules. Heat can be transferred through three methods such as radiation, convention and conduction. However, temperature is the average heat or thermal energy of the particles in an object. The primary difference between heat and temperature is the unit in which they are measured. Temperature is measured in three different scales Celsius, Fahrenheit and Kelvin (Zemansky, 1964). The transfer of energy without the change in the form of substance is another key difference. 5- What are the various properties of a substance that determine its heat capacity? Ans. . Heat capacity is the physical quantity which can be measured in a substance. The heat capacity differentiates the amount of heat needed to change the temperature of a substance to a certain amount. Heat capacity is not the same for all the substances. There are different properties of a substance that determine its heat capacity. These properties include the size of molecules, weight of the object, pressure and the composition of the molecules (Kittel, and Kroemer, 2000). 6- What are the various sources of heat? Ans. Heat is a form of energy. Heat energy is produced when heat is transferred from a warm to cool object. There are different sources that produce heat. Heat can also be obtained from various sources such as friction, nuclear and chemical reactions and radioactive decay. Some of the important are discussed below: 1- The Sun: Sun is the most important and the most natural source of heat. The heat produced from the sun is known as solar energy which is highly essential for the existence of all the living beings on Earth. 2- The Earth: Earth is also an important natural heat producing source. Earth produces heat energy which is known as geothermal energy. 3- Air: Air present in our atmosphere is the most common source of producing heat energy. Air is used in heat pumps. Exhaust air can also be used for heat pumps. 4- Burning Fuels: Heat energy can also be derived by burning of fuels. Fuels include coal, kerosene, petrol, wood, oil and many others. They can be used to burn and obtain energy. 5- Electricity: Heat energy can also be obtained from electricity which itself is a form of energy. List of References: Kittel, C and Kroemer, H.(2000). Thermal physics. W.H. Freeman, San Francisco, pp. 78 Kittel, C. Kroemer, H. (1980). Thermal Physics, 2nd edition, W.H. Freeman, San Francisco Zemansky, M, W. (1964). Temperatures Very Low and Very High. Princeton, N.J.: Van Nostrand. Read More