Absolute zero: The temperature at which a substance has know kinetic energy per particle (thermal) to give up. This temperature corresponds to 0 K, or to -273`C.
Bimetallic strip: Two strips of different metals, such as one of brass and one of iron, welded or riveted together into one strip. Because the two different rates, when heated two substances expands heated or cooled the strip bends. Used in thermostats.
Calorie: A unit of heat. One calorie is the heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of water one Celsius degree. One calorie is equal to 1000 cal. and is the unit used in describing the energy available from food.
Celsius scale: A temp. scale with 0 as the melt-freeze temp. of water and 100 as the boil-condense temp. of water at standard pressure.
Fahrenheit scale: The temp. scale in common use in the united states. The number 32 is assigned to the freezing point of water, and the number 212 to the boiling point of water.
Heat: Energy transfer random molecular motions, resulting in gain or loss in internal energy.
Internal energy: The total energy stored in the atoms and molecules within a substance.
Kelvin scale: A temp. scale whose zero is the temp. at which it is impossible to extract any more internal energy from a material. 0 K = -273C. There are no negative temperatures on the Kelvin scale.
Kilo-calorie: A unit of heat. One kilo-calorie equals 1000 calories, or the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by 1C.
Specific heat capacity: The quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass f a substance by one degree Celsius. Often simply called "specific heat," or "heat capacity."
Temperature:The property of a material that tells how warm or cold it is relative to some standard. In an ideal gas, the molecular kinetic energy per molecule.
Thermal contact: The state of two or more objects or substances in contact such that it is possible for heat to flow from one object or substance to another.
Thermal equilibrium:The state of two or more objects or substance in thermal contact when they have reached a common temperature.
Thermostat: A type of valve or switch that responds to changes in temperature and that is used to control the temperature of something.