HEAT AND THERMODYNAMICS

Classical thermodynamics…. is the only physical theory of universal content which I am convinced… will never be overthrown. – Albert Einstein is a branch of physics which explains the phenomena of temperature, heat etc. The concepts presented in this chapter will help us to understand the terms ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ and also differentiate heat from temperature.

In thermodynamics, heat and temperature are two different but closely related parameters. . . Meaning of heat When an object at higher temperature is placed in contact with another object at lower temperature, there will be a spontaneous flow of energy from the object Unit Heat and thermodynamics b.

When heated, a cup of coffee receives heat from the stove. Once the coffee is taken from the stove, the cup of coffee has more internal energy than before. ‘Heat’ is the energy in transit and which flows from an object at higher temperature to an object at lower temperature. Heat is not a quantity.

So the statement ‘A hot cup of coffee has more heat’ is wrong, instead ‘coffee is hot’ will be appropriate.