Heat

Heat

Edited By Vishal kumar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 06:37 PM IST

Heat is a fundamental form of energy that flows from one body to another due to a temperature difference. It plays a crucial role in everyday life, from cooking food and warming homes to powering engines and generating electricity. Heat energy is responsible for various physical processes, such as the melting of ice, boiling of water, and even the weather patterns we experience. In real life, understanding heat is essential for designing efficient heating and cooling systems, managing energy consumption, and ensuring the comfort and safety of living environments. For instance, insulating homes helps retain heat during winter, reducing energy bills and enhancing comfort. Thus, heat is not just a physical concept but a vital aspect of our daily lives, impacting everything from technology to climate control.

This Story also Contains
  1. Heat
  2. Solved Examples Based on Heat
  3. Summary
Heat
Heat

Heat

The form of energy which is exchanged among various bodies or systems on account of temperature difference is defined as heat. So, we can say that the driving potential for the heat energy is the temperature difference.

The temperature of a body can be changed by giving heat (temperature rises) or by removing heat (temperature falls) from the body. The amount of heat (Q) given to a body depends upon its mass (m), the change in its temperature and the nature of the material (C) i.e., $\mathrm{Q}=\mathrm{mC} \boldsymbol{\Delta} \theta$; where C = specific heat of material which depends on the material.

There are various units of heat like Joule(J), erg, calorie(cal) etc. Heat is a scalar quantity. The calorie (cal) is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1oC.

1 cal = 4.186 J

There are basically two types of specific heats

Heat Transfer Occurs by Three Mechanisms

Conduction: It is the method in which the transfer of heat takes place between atoms and molecules in direct contact.

Convection: It is the method in which the transfer of heat happens by the movement of the heated substance.

Radiation: It is the method in which the transfer of heat takes place by electromagnetic waves.

Gram-Specific Heat

It is defined as the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of the unit mass of a body through 1°C (or K) is called gram-specific heat of the material of the body. Actually, it depends on the mass of the body which is in Gram.

If Q heat changes the temperature of mass m by $\Delta \theta$ then specific heat is given as $c=\frac{Q}{m \Delta \theta}$

Based on this equation we can calculate the unit and dimension of this

$\begin{aligned} & \text { SI unit is }=\frac{\text { Joule }}{k g-K} \\ & \text { Dimension is - }\left[L^2 T^{-2} \boldsymbol{\theta}^{-1}\right]\end{aligned}$

Molar Specific Heat

Molar specific heat of a substance is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram mole of the substance through a unit degree. It is represented by C.

It can be written as $C=M \frac{Q}{m \Delta \theta}=\frac{1}{\mu} \frac{Q}{\Delta \theta}$

Here,
$Q=$ Heat supplied, $M=$ Molecular mass, $m=$ Actual mass of the substance, $\Delta \theta=$ Temperature difference

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Solved Examples Based on Heat

Example 1: A body of mass 1 kg absorbs 4k cal of heat when the temperature rises from 300 c to 500 c, then specific heat capacity (in cal/goc) is

1)0.1

2)0.2

3)0.3

4)0.4

Solution:

Specific Heat

Amount of heat(Q) required to raise the temperature of unit mass through 1oC.

wherein

$\begin{aligned} & \text { Units }- \text { Calories } / \mathrm{gm} \times{ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C} \\ & \quad \Delta Q=\mathrm{m} \mathrm{s} \Delta T \\ & \Rightarrow 4 \times 1000 \mathrm{cal}=1000 \times \mathrm{s} \times 20 \\ & s=0.2 \mathrm{cal} / \mathrm{g}^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\end{aligned}$

Hence, the answer is the option (2).

Example 2: Time (in seconds) taken by an 836 W heater to heat one litre of water from 10°C to 40°C is

1) 50

2) 100

3) 150

4) 200

Solution:

Specific Heat
$
C=\frac{Q}{m \cdot \Delta \theta}
$

wherein
$C=$ specific heat
$\Delta \theta=$ Change in temperature
$\mathrm{m}=$ Amount of mass
Amount of heat required

$
\begin{aligned}
& Q=m C \Delta T m C \Delta T=P t \Rightarrow 1 K g \times 4200 \times 30=P t \\
& t=\frac{126000}{836}=150 \mathrm{sec}
\end{aligned}
$

Hence, the answer is the option (3).

Example 3: A massless spring $(k=800 \mathrm{~N} / \mathrm{m})$, attached to a mass $(500 \mathrm{~g})$ is completely immersed in 1 kg of water. The spring stretched by 2 cm and released so that it started vibrating. What would be the order of magnitude of the change in the temperature of water when the vibrations stop completely? ( Assume that the water container and spring receive negligible heat and specific heat of mass $=400 \mathrm{~J} / \mathrm{kg} \mathrm{K}$, specific heat (in K) of water $4184 \mathrm{~J} / \mathrm{kg} \mathrm{K}$ )

1) 0.0001

2) 0.00003

3) 0.1

4) 0.001

Solution:

$\begin{aligned} & C=\frac{Q}{m \cdot \Delta \theta} \\ & \text { wherein } \\ & \mathrm{C}=\text { specific heat } \\ & \Delta \theta=\text { Change in temperature } \\ & \mathrm{m}=\text { Amount of mass } \\ & \text { Given } \\ & K=800 \mathrm{~N} / \mathrm{m} \\ & m=0.5 \mathrm{~kg} \\ & \frac{1}{2} K A^2=m_1 \mathrm{~s}_1 \Delta T+m_2 s_2 \Delta T \\ & \Rightarrow \frac{1}{2} \times 800 \times\left(\frac{2}{100}\right)^2=\frac{1}{2} \times 400 \times \Delta T+4184 \Delta T \\ & \Rightarrow \Delta T=\frac{400 \times\left(\frac{2}{100}\right)^2}{200+4184}=3.64 \times 10^{-5} \mathrm{~K}\end{aligned}$

Hence, the answer is the option (2).

Example 4: Molar heat capacity for a gas at constant pressure and constant volume is given as $C_p$ and $C_2$ respectively, then

1) $C_p=C_v$
2) $C_p<C_v$
3) $C_p>C_v$

4) can't be predicted

Solution:

Molar Specific Heat

$C=\frac{M Q}{m \cdot \Delta \theta}=\frac{1}{\mu} \frac{Q}{\Delta \theta}$

wherein

$\begin{aligned} & \frac{M}{m}=\mu \\ & \text { Unit }- \text { Calorie } / \text { mole } \times{ }^o \mathrm{C} \\ & C_p=C_v+R\end{aligned}$

Hence, the answer is the option (3).

Example 5: The density of ice is x g/cm3 and that of water is y g/cm3, when m gram of ice melts, then the change in volume is

1) $m(y-x)$
2) $\frac{y-x}{m}$
3) $m y(y-x)$
4) $\frac{m}{y}-\frac{m}{x}$

Solution:

After m gm of ice melts, the m/x volume of ice reduces & m/y volume of water increases

The volume of ice > volume of water

$\begin{aligned} \Delta V & =V_w-V_i \\ \Delta V & =\frac{m}{y}-\frac{m}{x} \\ \Delta V & =m\left[\frac{x-y}{x y}\right]\end{aligned}$

Hence, the answer is the option (4).

Summary

Heat is the transfer of energy from an object at a higher temperature to one at a lower temperature. It has vital applications in our lives, ranging from weathering to the various styles of cooking applied to food. In all, there are three main ways for heat transfer: through conduction, convection, and radiation. When one understands the methods, it allows for realizing how heat works in differing situations and how it can be effectively controlled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is heat?
Heat is the transfer of thermal energy between objects due to a temperature difference. It always flows from a hotter object to a cooler one until thermal equilibrium is reached.
2. How is heat different from temperature?
Heat is the transfer of thermal energy, while temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance. Heat is a process, temperature is a property.
3. What are the three methods of heat transfer?
The three methods of heat transfer are conduction (through direct contact), convection (through fluid motion), and radiation (through electromagnetic waves).
4. Why do metals feel colder than wood at room temperature?
Metals conduct heat better than wood, so they quickly transfer heat away from your hand, giving a sensation of coldness. Both are at the same temperature, but metals feel colder due to faster heat transfer.
5. What is thermal expansion?
Thermal expansion is the tendency of matter to increase in volume when heated. This occurs because higher temperatures cause atoms to vibrate more, increasing the average distance between them.
6. Why do gaps exist between sections of railroad tracks?
Gaps are left between railroad tracks to allow for thermal expansion. Without these gaps, the tracks could buckle or warp on hot days as the metal expands.
7. What is the difference between heat capacity and specific heat capacity?
Heat capacity is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of an entire object by 1°C, while specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C.
8. Why does water have a high specific heat capacity?
Water has a high specific heat capacity due to its molecular structure and hydrogen bonding. This property allows water to absorb or release large amounts of heat with relatively small temperature changes, making it important for climate regulation.
9. What is latent heat?
Latent heat is the energy absorbed or released by a substance during a phase change (like melting or boiling) without a change in temperature. It represents the energy needed to overcome intermolecular forces.
10. Why does sweating cool the body?
Sweating cools the body through evaporative cooling. As sweat evaporates, it absorbs heat from the skin, lowering body temperature. This process utilizes the latent heat of vaporization of water.
11. What is thermal conductivity?
Thermal conductivity is a measure of a material's ability to conduct heat. Materials with high thermal conductivity transfer heat quickly, while those with low thermal conductivity are good insulators.
12. Why are double-paned windows more energy efficient?
Double-paned windows have a layer of air or gas between two panes of glass. This layer acts as an insulator, reducing heat transfer through conduction and convection, thus improving energy efficiency.
13. How does a thermos (vacuum flask) work?
A thermos works by minimizing all three forms of heat transfer. The vacuum between the inner and outer walls prevents conduction and convection, while the reflective surfaces reduce radiation, keeping contents hot or cold for extended periods.
14. What is the greenhouse effect and how does it relate to heat?
The greenhouse effect is the warming of Earth's surface due to certain gases in the atmosphere trapping heat. These gases allow sunlight to pass through but absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, preventing some heat from escaping into space.
15. Why does blowing on hot food cool it down?
Blowing on hot food increases the rate of convection and evaporation. It replaces the hot air near the food with cooler air and accelerates the evaporation of moisture, both of which help to cool the food more quickly.
16. What is thermal equilibrium?
Thermal equilibrium is the state where two or more objects in contact have reached the same temperature, and there is no net heat transfer between them. It's the end result of heat transfer processes.
17. How does the specific heat capacity of water affect climate?
Water's high specific heat capacity allows large bodies of water to absorb or release significant amounts of heat with minimal temperature change. This moderates nearby land temperatures and plays a crucial role in global climate patterns.
18. What is the difference between heat and internal energy?
Heat is the transfer of thermal energy between objects, while internal energy is the total energy of all particles within a system. Heat can change the internal energy of a system, but they are not the same thing.
19. Why do ice cubes float in water?
Ice cubes float in water because ice is less dense than liquid water. This unusual property is due to the hydrogen bonding in water molecules, which causes them to arrange in a more open structure when frozen.
20. How does a heat pump work?
A heat pump works by moving heat from a cold space to a warm space using a refrigeration cycle. It can be reversed to provide both heating and cooling, making it more energy-efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems.
21. What is the role of heat in phase changes?
Heat plays a crucial role in phase changes. When a substance absorbs heat during melting or vaporization, it breaks intermolecular bonds. Conversely, when a substance releases heat during freezing or condensation, it forms these bonds.
22. Why does the temperature remain constant during a phase change?
The temperature remains constant during a phase change because the added or removed heat is used to change the phase (breaking or forming bonds between molecules) rather than increasing the kinetic energy of the molecules.
23. What is thermal resistance?
Thermal resistance is a measure of a material's ability to resist heat flow. It's the inverse of thermal conductivity and is important in insulation applications. Materials with high thermal resistance are good insulators.
24. How does the First Law of Thermodynamics relate to heat?
The First Law of Thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another. In terms of heat, it means that the change in internal energy of a system equals the heat added to the system minus the work done by the system.
25. What is the difference between endothermic and exothermic processes?
Endothermic processes absorb heat from the surroundings, while exothermic processes release heat to the surroundings. Melting ice is endothermic, while freezing water is exothermic.
26. How does convection contribute to wind patterns?
Convection in the atmosphere occurs when warm air rises and cool air sinks. This creates circulation patterns that contribute to wind. Large-scale convection cells, influenced by the Earth's rotation, create global wind patterns.
27. What is the urban heat island effect?
The urban heat island effect is the phenomenon where urban areas are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. It's caused by heat-absorbing surfaces like asphalt, reduced vegetation, and heat generated by human activities.
28. How does heat affect the solubility of gases in liquids?
Generally, the solubility of gases in liquids decreases as temperature increases. This is why warm carbonated drinks go flat faster than cold ones – the higher temperature causes the dissolved CO2 to come out of solution more quickly.
29. What is thermal stress?
Thermal stress is the internal force produced by non-uniform heating or cooling of a material. It can lead to deformation or failure if the material can't accommodate the stress, which is why some materials crack when subjected to sudden temperature changes.
30. How does the concept of heat relate to energy conservation?
Heat is a form of energy transfer, and understanding it is crucial for energy conservation. By minimizing unwanted heat transfer (through insulation, for example) and harnessing heat for useful purposes (like in heat pumps), we can use energy more efficiently.
31. What is the relationship between pressure and boiling point?
Pressure directly affects the boiling point of a liquid. As pressure increases, the boiling point rises because more energy is needed to overcome the external pressure and allow bubbles to form. This is why water boils at a lower temperature at high altitudes where pressure is lower.
32. How does evaporative cooling work?
Evaporative cooling occurs when a liquid evaporates, taking heat from its surroundings. The process requires energy (latent heat of vaporization), which is absorbed from the environment, resulting in a cooling effect. This principle is used in sweat cooling and some air conditioning systems.
33. What is thermal diffusivity?
Thermal diffusivity is a measure of how quickly a material can change its temperature when exposed to a temperature change. It's the ratio of thermal conductivity to volumetric heat capacity and indicates how fast heat moves through a material.
34. Why does hot air rise?
Hot air rises because it's less dense than cooler air. When air is heated, its molecules move faster and spread out, occupying more volume. This decrease in density causes the warmer air to be buoyant in the surrounding cooler air, leading to upward movement.
35. How does the absorption of infrared radiation contribute to global warming?
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as CO2, absorb infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface. They then re-emit this energy in all directions, including back towards the Earth. This process traps heat in the lower atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
36. What is the difference between heat transfer and heat dissipation?
Heat transfer is the movement of thermal energy from one object to another due to a temperature difference. Heat dissipation specifically refers to the spreading out or dispersal of heat, often to cool a system, like in electronic devices.
37. How does the kinetic theory of gases relate to heat?
The kinetic theory of gases explains heat in terms of the motion of particles. Higher temperatures correspond to greater average kinetic energy of particles. Heat transfer occurs when faster-moving particles collide with slower ones, transferring energy.
38. What is thermal inertia?
Thermal inertia is a measure of a material's resistance to temperature change. Materials with high thermal inertia take longer to heat up or cool down. This property is important in applications like building design and planetary science.
39. How does heat affect the electrical resistance of materials?
For most materials, electrical resistance increases with temperature. This is because higher temperatures cause more atomic vibrations, which interfere with the flow of electrons. However, in semiconductors, resistance can decrease with temperature.
40. What is the role of heat in the water cycle?
Heat plays a crucial role in the water cycle. Solar energy heats water bodies, causing evaporation. This water vapor rises, cools, condenses into clouds, and eventually falls as precipitation. The cycle is driven by the continuous input of heat from the sun.
41. How does heat transfer in nanomaterials differ from bulk materials?
Heat transfer in nanomaterials can be significantly different from bulk materials due to quantum effects and increased surface area-to-volume ratios. These factors can lead to unique thermal properties, including altered thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity.
42. What is the Mpemba effect?
The Mpemba effect is the counterintuitive phenomenon where, under certain conditions, warm water can freeze faster than cold water. While still debated, proposed explanations include evaporation, dissolved gases, and supercooling.
43. How does heat affect the viscosity of liquids?
Generally, the viscosity of liquids decreases as temperature increases. This is because higher temperatures increase the kinetic energy of molecules, reducing intermolecular forces and allowing them to flow more easily past each other.
44. What is the difference between sensible heat and latent heat?
Sensible heat is heat that causes a change in temperature without changing the phase of a substance. Latent heat is heat absorbed or released during a phase change without changing the temperature. Both are important in understanding heat transfer and energy storage.
45. How does thermal radiation differ from other forms of heat transfer?
Thermal radiation is unique among heat transfer methods as it doesn't require a medium to propagate. It occurs through electromagnetic waves and can travel through a vacuum, unlike conduction and convection which require matter for heat transfer.
46. What is the role of heat in meteorology?
Heat is fundamental in meteorology. It drives atmospheric circulation, influences air pressure and humidity, and plays a key role in weather phenomena like storms and precipitation. Understanding heat transfer is crucial for weather prediction and climate studies.
47. How does the human body regulate its temperature?
The human body regulates temperature through various mechanisms including sweating (evaporative cooling), vasodilation or constriction (controlling blood flow to the skin), and shivering (generating heat through muscle contraction). These processes help maintain a stable internal temperature despite varying external conditions.
48. What is thermal contact resistance?
Thermal contact resistance is the resistance to heat flow at the interface between two materials in contact. It occurs because surfaces are never perfectly smooth, resulting in small air gaps that impede heat transfer. This concept is important in heat sink design and other thermal management applications.
49. How does heat affect the properties of polymers?
Heat can significantly affect polymer properties. It can cause softening, melting, or decomposition depending on the temperature. Some polymers become more flexible when heated (thermoplastics), while others harden irreversibly (thermosets). Understanding these effects is crucial in polymer processing and application.
50. What is the relationship between heat and entropy?
Heat and entropy are closely related. When heat is added to a system, it generally increases the system's entropy by increasing molecular disorder. The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that in any process, the total entropy of an isolated system always increases, which is fundamentally related to the flow of heat.
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