1st Law of Thermodynamics, Energy Transfers

The First Law of Thermodynamics is one we talk about often. It is an extension of the Conservation of Mechanical Energy previously learned. It states that the change in thermal energy (E_th) of a system can be done via two mechanisms, heat transfer (Q) and work (W).

ΔEth=Q+W

• Lecture 1 | 1st Law of Thermodynamics, Energy Transfers

Specific Heat, Phase Transformations, Calorimetry

We dedicated a section with the title Heat to cover the concepts of a material property called Specific Heat and Latent Heat of Transformation, along with the experimental tool called Calorimetry. Specific heat is a measure of how much energy (per mass) must be exchanged to change the temperature of a substance a certain amount. Latent heat of transformation is a measure of how much energy (per mass) must be exchanged to take a substance over a phase transition, like from a liquid to a solid.

• Lecture 2 | Specific Heat, Phase Transformations, Calorimetry

Conduction, Convection, Radiation

Conduction, convection, and radiation are the three different ways energy can be transfered via heat. Conduction is when energy transfers from one molecule to the next via collisions. Imagine higher energy (greater temp) particles on the inside of a window bumping into their neighbors, when then bump in their neighbors and so on.

• Lecture 3 | Conduction, Convection, Radiation