Chapter 8
In this big chapter, it's all about thermal energy.
Uses of thermal energy, transfer of thermal energy and many more.
I'll add a video for better understanding as this post seem so wordy. :P
Transfer of thermal energy
- It only takes place when there is a difference in temperature.
- It always flow from a region of higher temperture to a region of lower temperature.
- There is no net flow of thermal energy between them, hence, thermal equilibrium is reached between 2 bodies.
- 3 processes of thermal energy transfer: conduction, convection, radiation.
1. Conduction
- Conduction is the process of thermal energy transfer without any flow of the material medium.
- Different materials conduct heat at different rates as different material usedifferent mechanisms for transferring thermal energy.
- The 2 mechanisms for conduction are atomic or molecular vibrations (metals and non-metals) and free electron diffusion(only metals).
- Compared to solid, liquid and gas are poor conductors of heat.
2. Convection
- Convection is the trnasfer of thermal energy by means of current in a fluid(liquid or gases).
- Convection currents occur only in fluids such a liquids and gase but not in solids.
- For solid, the thermal energy is transferred from one particle to another through vibration, without any bulk movement of the particle itself.
Common applications of convection:
1. Electric kettles
2. Household hot water systems
3. Air conditioners
4. Refrigerators
3. Radiation
- Radiation is the continual emission of infared rays from the surface of all bodies, transmitted without an aid of a medium.
- Thermal energy from infared rays is called radiant heat.
- It is absorbed by all objects and surfaces causing a temperature rise.
- It is emitted by all objects and urfaces causign the temperature to fall.
- Colours and texture of the surface, surface temperature and surface area are factors affecting rate of infared radiation.
Common applications of radiation:
1. Teapots

2. The greenhouse

3. Vacuum flasks
Uses of good conductor of heat
1. Cooking utensils
2. Soldering iron rods
3. Heat exchangers
Uses of bad conductors of heat
1. Handles of appliances and utensils
2. Table mats
3. Sawdust

4. Wooden ladles

5. Woollen clothes

6. Fibreglass, felt and expanded polystyrene foam
I've found a website on the same topic.
Go have a look when you have time. (:
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