(A Level) Temperature, specific heat and latent heat

Learning objectives

Explain that net thermal energy flows only from hotter to colder regions, and that two objects with no net energy flow between them are at the same temperature (thermal equilibrium).

Describe thermometers based on a temperature-dependent property, such as liquid expansion, gas volume at constant pressure, metal resistance or thermocouple e.m.f., and explain what makes a property suitable.

Explain why thermodynamic temperature is independent of any thermometric substance, identify absolute zero (0 K) as the lowest possible temperature, and convert between kelvin and degrees Celsius using T/K = θ/°C + 273.15.

Define specific heat capacity and use Q = mcΔθ, including an electrical heating method for measuring c.

Define specific latent heat, distinguish latent heat of fusion from latent heat of vaporisation, and use Q = mL for changes of state.