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In thermodynamics, an exothermic process (from Ancient Greek έξω (éxō) 'outward' and θερμικός (thermikós) 'thermal') [1] is a thermodynamic process or reaction that releases energy from the system to its surroundings, [2] usually in the form of heat, but also in a form of light (e.g. a spark, flame, or flash), electricity (e.g. a ...
In heat transfer, thermal engineering, and thermodynamics, thermal conductance and thermal resistance are fundamental concepts that describe the ability of materials or systems to conduct heat and the opposition they offer to the heat current. The ability to manipulate these properties allows engineers to control temperature gradient, prevent ...
Thermodynamics is a branch of physics that deals with heat, work, and temperature, and their relation to energy, entropy, and the physical properties of matter and radiation. The behavior of these quantities is governed by the four laws of thermodynamics, which convey a quantitative description using measurable macroscopic physical quantities ...
Thermal radiation is the emission of electromagnetic waves from all matter that has a temperature greater than absolute zero. [5][2] Thermal radiation reflects the conversion of thermal energy into electromagnetic energy. Thermal energy is the kinetic energy of random movements of atoms and molecules in matter.
The term " thermal energy " is often used ambiguously in physics and engineering. [1] It can denote several different physical concepts, including: Internal energy: The total energy contained within a body of matter or radiation. Heat: Energy in transfer between a system and its surroundings by mechanisms other than thermodynamic work and ...
Thermal conductivity and resistivity. The thermal conductivity of a material is a measure of its ability to conduct heat. It is commonly denoted by , , or and is measured in W·m −1 ·K −1. Heat transfer occurs at a lower rate in materials of low thermal conductivity than in materials of high thermal conductivity.
Thermal conduction (power) is the heat per unit time transferred some distance ℓ between the two temperatures. κ is the thermal conductivity of the material. A is the cross-sectional area of the object. ΔT is the difference in temperature from one side to the other. ℓ is the length of the path the heat has to be transferred.
One of the fundamental thermodynamic equations is the description of thermodynamic work in analogy to mechanical work, or weight lifted through an elevation against gravity, as defined in 1824 by French physicist Sadi Carnot. Carnot used the phrase motive power for work. In the footnotes to his famous On the Motive Power of Fire, he states ...