CONCEPT OF HEAT AND TEMPERATURE

HEAT

Physics is concerned with the study of Energy. There are many different forms of energy –

heat, light, sound, electrical, kinetic, potential. All of these forms of energy have the ability

to do work. One form of energy may be transformed into another. For example; potential

(stored chemical) energy is converted to heat energy during combustion. Kinetic energy (as a

result of friction) and electrical energy may also be converted to heat. It is not possible to

measure heat directly, Heat is a measure of the total kinetic energy of the atoms or molecules

in a body. In other words, heat is the form of energy that brings about the sensation of warm.

This is because all forms of energy can be converted to heat energy so also heat can be

converted to any other form of energy. Because heat as a form of energy has S. I unit of Joule

(J). just as it is used for other forms of energy.

Heat energy can be measured using scientific instrument called Calorimeter.

Because heat is a form of energy the units it is measured in are Joules (J) or kilo Joules (kJ).

The heat content of a body will depend on its temperature, its mass, and the material it is

made of. Heat energy is always transferred from an object at high temperature to one at

lower temperature. Temperature is not the same as heat, Temperature measures the degree of

hotness of a body (“how hot”). It doesn’t depend on the mass or the material of an object. In

more scientific words, it can be thought of as a measure of the average kinetic energy of the

atoms or molecules in a body.

In clinical area or climatology, the scales used for temperature measurements are degree

Celsius/Centigrade (℃) or degree Fahrenheit (℉). In thermodynamics temperature is

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measured in Kelvin scale (K). The scientific instrument for temperature measurement is

thermometer.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HEAT AND TEMPERATURE.

S/ HEAT TEMPERATURE

1. Heat is the total internal energy Temperature is the measure of average kinetic

of the body energy of the body molecules

2. It has S. I unit of Joule (J) It has S. I unit of ℃, ℉ or K.

3. It can be measured using It can be measured using Thermometer

Calorimeter

3. It is derived quantity It is fundamental quantity

4. Heat can be transferred from one Temperature is not transferable

body to another

EFFECTS OF HEAT ON MATTER

When heat is absorbed or release by matter material, it can experience some effects
including;

1. Change in state

2. Change in density

3. Change in volume

4. Change in colour

5. Change in temperature

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 6. Thermionic emission

METODS OF HEAT TRANSFER

There are four methods of heat transfer.

1. Radiation: is the process whereby heat is transferred from one object to another without

direct contact between the two. Heat transfer through radiation does not require any material

medium. The heat is carried from one object to the other in the form of rays. For example,

heat we feel for the sun is through radiation, the use of heat lamp involves the transfer of heat

by radiation.

2. Convection: heat is lost through convection when air or liquid current currents pass over a

warm object, carrying its heat away with them. For example, circulation of water when it

boils, using of fans, open doors and windows to create drafts. Convection occurs in fluids

(liquid and gases).

3. Conduction: is the transfer of heat by direct contact between two objects without visible

movement of their molecules. Heat passes from the warmer object to the colder. Conduction

is the method of heat transfer in solid. For example, heat transfer from pressing iron.

4. Evaporation: is the process whereby a substance in liquid state changes to vapor state

below its boiling point. Evaporation always brings about cooling. The more heat the body

generates (as in muscular exertion), the more active the sweat glands become, thereby,

increasing the rate of cooling. For example, sponging a patient with alcohol and water

provide for cooling by evaporation, Also evaporation of water vapour through respiratory

tract with expiration.

FACTORS INCREASING HEAT PRODUCTION IN THE BODY.

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 1. Muscular activity

2. Ingestion of food

3. Time of day (late afternoon and early evening)

4. Emotion

5. Increased hormonal action (Thyroxin)

6. Infections.

7. Increased temperature of the environment

8. Menstruation and pregnancy

FACTORS DECREASING HEAT PRODUCTION IN THE BODY.

1. Prolonged illness

2. Fasting

3. Depression of the nervous system

4. Sleep

5. Time of day (early morning)

6. Age

HUMAN BODY TEMPERATURE

Body temperature is the degree of heat maintained by the body or it is the balance between

heat produced in the tissues and heat lost to the environment.

Sites and normal ranges of measuring body temperature: measuring body temperature:

There is no single temperature is normal for all people.. The average of normal oral

temperature is 37℃. The acceptable temperature of human being ranges from 36℃ –38℃.

Temperature of the body can be taken from:

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  Oral

 Axial

 Rectum

 Ear

 Forehead

.Temperature of 34°C to 41°C is the approximate range within which body cells can function.

If body temperature decreased than 34°C or increased than 41°Cbody, cells cannot function.

Body temperature can be measured with a mercury thermometer, an electronic digital

thermometer, or a tympanic thermometer.

Body temperature is recorded either in degree centigrade (℃) or degree Fahrenheit (℉).

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•To convert degree centigrade or degree Celcius to degree Fahrenheit, we use formula:

℉= (9/5 x ℃) + 32

For example, convert 100℃ to temperature in ℉.

Solution

℉= (9/5 x 100) + 32

=212℉

•To Change Fahrenheit to Centigrade, we use formula ℃= (℉-32) x 5/9

For example, convert 32℉ to temperature in ℃.

Solution

℃== (32-32) x 5/9

=0℃.

TEMPERATURE REGULATION IN THE HUMAN BODY

There are various regulating factors that affect body temperature. These are:

•Physical control.

•Chemical control.

•Nervous system control.

Disorders of body temperature

Disorders of body temperature may be either elevation above normal range of temperature

called fever (pyrexia) or reduction of temperature below normal range (hypothermia).

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Fever (pyrexia)

Fever (pyrexia) is abnormal elevation of body temperature above the normal range. It is

common symptom of illness. Fever may be:

•low-grade fever: is temperature, slightly elevated to approximately 37.3 °C to 38.2 °C.

•High-grade fever: temperatures above 38.3 °C to 40.5°C.

•Hyperpyrexia: is a condition in which body temperature is above 41.6 °C.

Hypothermia.

A condition in which temperature is abnormally lower than normal

Classification of hypothermia:

•Mild: 34°C –36°C

•Moderate: 30°C –34°C

•Severe:<30°C

EXERCISES

1. Mention any here differences between heat and temperature

2. List any (5) effects of heat on matter

3. Briefly explain methods of heat transfer

4. Outline (3) factors each of increasing and decrease heat production in the body

5. Convert 5°C to ℉