What is Heat?
Heat is a form of energy that causes a rise in the temperature of
objects.
It flows from a hotter object to a cooler one until thermal
equilibrium is reached.
Heat is measured in joules (J) or calories (cal).
2. Temperature
Temperature is the measure of the hotness or coldness of an object.
The temperature of an object determines the direction of heat flow:
from hot to cold.
It is measured using a thermometer.
Celsius (°C) is the most commonly used unit of temperature, and
Kelvin (K) is used in scientific contexts.
3. Thermometers
Mercury Thermometer: Uses mercury in a glass tube to measure
temperature.
Alcohol Thermometer: Uses alcohol dyed red or blue to measure
temperature.
Thermometers are usually calibrated in Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit
(°F).
4. Measurement of Heat
Calorimetry is the process of measuring heat.
Specific Heat Capacity: The amount of heat required to raise the
temperature of a unit mass of a substance by 1°C.
Formula:
𝑄
=
𝑚
𝑐
Δ
𝑇
Q=mcΔT, where:
𝑄
Q = Heat energy (Joules)
𝑚
m = Mass (kg)
𝑐
c = Specific heat capacity (J/kg°C)
Δ
𝑇
ΔT = Change in temperature (°C)
5. Transfer of Heat
Heat can be transferred in three ways:
Conduction: Transfer of heat through direct contact (e.g., heating a
metal rod).
Convection: Transfer of heat in liquids and gases through the
movement of the substance (e.g., boiling water).
Radiation: Transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves,
without the need for a medium (e.g., the heat from the Sun).
6. Effects of Heat
Expansion: Most substances expand when heated (e.g., metal
expands when heated).
Change in State: Heat can change the state of matter (solid, liquid,
gas) — for example, ice melting into water or water evaporating
into steam.
7. Transfer of Heat in Daily Life
Cooking: Conduction (e.g., frying in a pan), convection (e.g., boiling
water), and radiation (e.g., microwave heating) are used to transfer
heat in cooking.
Thermal Insulation: Materials like wool, plastic, and rubber are
used to prevent heat loss, such as in thermos flasks and warm
clothing.
8. Heat and Its Practical Applications
Weather: The Sun is the main source of heat for the Earth,
influencing climate and weather patterns.
Thermal Expansion: Bridges and railways are designed with small
gaps to allow for the expansion of materials due to heat.
9. Difference Between Heat and Temperature
Heat refers to the energy transferred between objects due to a
temperature difference.
Temperature measures how hot or cold an object is.
These are the core ideas in the Heat chapter for Class 6. If you have
specific questions
or need examples for any topic, feel free to ask!
