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Thermal Energy and Temperature
Physics · 12th Grade · Thermodynamics · Quarter 4

Thermal Energy and Temperature

Understand the distinction between thermal energy, temperature, and heat, and explore the concept of thermal equilibrium as described by the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics.

Common Core State StandardsNGSS: HS-PS3-2 - Energy: Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as a combination of energy associated with the motions of particles (objects) and energy associated with the relative position of particles (objects).

About This Topic

Understand the distinction between thermal energy, temperature, and heat, and explore the concept of thermal equilibrium as described by the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics.

Key Questions

  1. Explain the difference between the temperature of an object and its total thermal energy.
  2. Analyze how a thermometer works in the context of thermal equilibrium.
  3. Compare the Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin temperature scales and their applications.

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Edited by Adriana Perusin, Editor-in-Chief, Flip Education