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Revise: Heat and Temperature

The difference between heat and temperature, specific heat capacity, types of thermometer, temperature scales, and thermal expansion.

Heat and Temperature

Temperature = how hot. Heat = energy transferred due to a temperature difference.

A pool (25°C) holds more heat than a cup of tea (90°C) due to its mass.

Specific Heat Capacity

Q = mcΔT

2kg water, ΔT=30°C → 252,000 J.

Types of Thermometer

Liquid-in-glass (expansion), thermocouple (voltage), infrared (radiation, no contact).

Infrared thermometers check body temperature with no contact.

Temperature Scales

K = °C + 273.

25°C → 298 K.

Thermal Expansion of Substances

ΔL = L₀αΔT — most solids expand when heated.

20m steel rail, ΔT=30°C → +7.2mm.