Thermal Energy Example

The Thermal energy is that determined by the total momentum of the particles of a substance. Consists mainly by Internal Energy, what is energy contained in matter at the molecular and structural level, which in turn conforms to the Kinetic Energy and the Potential Energy of the substance.

It is also called Caloric energy or Heat energy, and is susceptible to being transferred, driven by a difference in Temperature, a phenomenon that ultimately receives the name of Heat.

When Thermal Energy is supplied to the substance, the molecules inside it will be accelerating, thus increasing their temperature. However, the time will come when the Thermal Energy will focus on the Phase Change of the substance, without appreciating a change in temperature. When the substance has reached the following physical state, it is possible to generate the temperature rise. It is worth establishing the concepts of Sensitive Thermal Energy and Latent Thermal Energy.

The Sensitive Thermal Energy is what is required to transfer as Heat to the substance, to

promote an increase in temperature in it. For example, when we heat water for cooking food, or a thermal resistance is turned on to heat the air generated in the fan of a dryer, or we put the thermometer in the armpit during a fever, heating the mercury and making it rise through the capillary.

The Latent Thermal Energy is what is necessary to transfer as Heat to the substance, to produce a Phase Change in it. There is no increase in temperature until the transformation of the substance is complete. For example, it occurs during the generation of a vapor or in the melting or melting of a solid.

These two Thermal Energies are applied in the Industry in Separation processes as Evaporation and Distillation, in which property is vitally importantBoiling point, as a guide to optimize the concentrations of the final products.

The transfer of Thermal Energy will always be driven by a temperature difference, and will take the direction towards the body with lower temperature; It is possible through three main mechanisms:

Radiation: It is transmitted by means of electromagnetic waves of low wavelength, and it is enough with the proximity of the bodies so that the Thermal Energy begins to travel towards the objective. Solar radiation is the most common example to describe this type of transfer. Thermal Energy from the Sun travels through space and makes contact with the Earth's surface.

Driving: Thermal Energy travels through the structure of the material, towards the areas of lower temperature in it.

In the first case, when there is a source of thermal energy such as an electric grill, this will transmit said energy to the container that is placed on it, and will diffuse into the material of the former.

In a second case, when a warm body comes into contact with a cold one, the energy will be transmitted towards the cold, invading that body until both bodies reach a balance.

Convection: Thermal Energy moves immersed in a moving fluid, and is drawn to a point of lower temperature. The clearest example is the following:

The air closest to the earth's surface, already hot with solar radiation, increases its content in Thermal Energy, and being more agitated and less dense, it will rise. The cooler and more compact air, coming from higher altitudes, is involved in the same event and thus begins a cycle of convection in which thermal energy from the earth's soil is carried through the air to higher regions of the earth. atmosphere.

Thermal Energy Units

All types of Energy have in common that They are measured in Joules (J), which are equivalent to Newton-meters (Nm), units established by the International System of Units. What's more, the unit Calorie (cal) is usually used, or Kilocalorie (Kcal) for when larger amounts of Energy are handled.

The calorie, equivalent to 4.18 Joules; represents the energy required to raise the temperature of Water by 1 degree Centigrade. It is used by international convention. The conversion to the SI unit depends on wanting to make further calculations starting from the calories.