Back to Physics Notes
specific heat latent heat
A LevelPhysics~4 min read
Overview
This lesson explores the concepts of specific heat capacity and latent heat, fundamental to understanding how substances store and transfer thermal energy. We will differentiate between energy changes causing temperature changes and those causing phase changes, and learn to apply relevant formulas.
Introduction to Thermal Energy and Temperature
Thermal energy is the total internal energy of a system, encompassing the kinetic and potential energies of its constituent particles. Temperature, on the other hand, is a measure of the average kinetic energy of these particles. When a substance absorbs thermal energy, its particles' kinetic energy...
Unlock 5 More Sections
Sign up free to access the complete notes, key concepts, and exam tips for this topic.
No credit card required · Free forever
Key Concepts
- Thermal Energy: The internal energy of a system due to the random motion of its atoms and molecules.
- Specific Heat Capacity (c): The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 K (or 1 °C).
- Heat Capacity (C): The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of an entire object by 1 K (or 1 °C).
- Latent Heat: The energy absorbed or released by a substance during a phase change at constant temperature.
- +3 more (sign up to view)
Exam Tips
- →Clearly distinguish between specific heat capacity (mcΔT) and latent heat (mL) calculations. Remember that ΔT is zero during a phase change.
- →Pay close attention to units. Ensure all values are in SI units (kg, J, K or °C) before calculations. Specific heat capacity is J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹, latent heat is J kg⁻¹.
- +3 more tips (sign up)
More Physics Notes