Chapter 9 (Thermal processes)

Question 1

What is thermal equilibrium

Answer 1

Thermal equilibrium describes a state in which two or more objects have the same temperature and that there is no more transfer of energy between them

Question 2

What is conduction

Answer 2

Conduction is a process of energy transfer where energy is transferred through the passing on of vibrational motion from one particle to another

Question 3

What are good and poor conductors of heat called

Answer 3

Good conductor: thermal conductors
Poor conductor: thermal insulator

Question 4

Why are metals better thermal conductors than non-metals

Answer 4

metals consists of tiny particles called free electrons that are absent in most non-metals. Electrons are extremely small compared to atoms and due to their small size and high speeds the electrons move very fast through the metal and transfer energy easily

Question 5

What is convection

Answer 5

Convection is a process of energy transfer by means of convection currents of a fluid, due to a difference in density

Question 6

What is radiation

Answer 6

Radiation is the process of enery transfer by em (electromagnetic) waves. It does not require a medium

Question 7

What makes something a good/ poor emitter/ absorber of radiant heat

Answer 7

Good
-large surface area
-matt, rough and dark-coloured surface
Poor
-small surface area
-shiny, smooth and light-coloured surface