In this section of a college textbook, the topic of convection is explored. Understand how the process of convection transfers heat. Also learn how to calculate the rate of heat transfer by convection. Section also includes problems and...

In this mammalian biology science fair project, students will learn about methods of heat transfer and determine the best direction in which horses should stand in a cold wind to maintain their core temperature. The Science Buddies...

A page describing the parts of a steam engine and explaining their operation. Thorough discussion of the parts.

This site from Georgia State University Department of Physics and Astronomy is an indexing page for the HyperPhysics site. The page links to a variety of other pages which discuss concepts related to entropy and the second law of...

The meaning of vapor pressure is introduced. The distinction between evaporation and boiling is discussed and explained. The reason that liquids undergo vaporization is explained.

A lengthy set of lecture notes on the topics of thermal expansion and heat absorption. The concept of specific heat capacity is explained and numerical examples are discussed. Heats of transformation (fusion, vaporization) are explained...

A description of a museum exhibit that compares the heat radiated from two pieces of metal--one painted black and the other shiny. Great idea stimulus for a student project or lab investigation.

The second law of thermodynamics and the concept of entropy is applied to the topic of heat engines. The Carnot and Stirling engine are discussed. Efficiency is explained and an equation is derived.

Explains what each of these types of energy is and provides examples.

Students investigate passive solar building design with a focus solely on heating. They learn how insulation, window placement, thermal mass, surface colors, and site orientation play important roles in passive solar heating. They use...

Using a question and answer format, this page explains what is meant by the term "absolute zero." The basis for the Kelvin temperature scale is described. And the relationship between heat or energy and temperature is discussed.

A set of printable pdf pages from the University of Sydney's "Thermal Physics Module" site. Entropy is defined and explained conceptually. The mathematical treatment of entropy is introduced. The second law of thermodynamics and its...

An indexing page which includes links to a wealth of pages detailing the conceptual meaning of temperature. A hypertext format allows the visitor to quickly gain access the desired information.

Lists thermal conductivity values for a variety of topics. The link "Heat conduction discussion" on this page displays an equation for calculating the rate of thermal conduction using these conductivity values.

This site from the Colorado State University discusses the tranfer of heat by conduction and convection. Discussion centers around the application of these two heat transfer mechanisms to engines. The variables that effect the resistance...

Using understandable words and exceptional graphics, this page describes the transfer of energy by means of conduction. Contains several links to related topics.

Forward and reverse heat engines are discussed and explained at this site from Applied Thermodynamics. Diagrams are provided. Efficiency equations are given and discussed.

An excellent page describing the variables lead to rising temperatures in the home. The causes and sources of such heat gain are identified and explained. Lays the groundwork for understanding the importance of and need for home air...

A quick, illustrated overview of the three main methods of heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation.

Specific heat capacity is defined and explained at this site from Applied Thermodynamics. An equation is given. The general equation for the specific heat of an ideal gas is derived and discussed.

Students learn how the sun can be used for energy. They learn about passive solar heating, lighting and cooking, and active solar engineering technologies (such as photovoltaic arrays and concentrating mirrors) that generate electricity....

This simulation shows conduction of thermal energy within and between solids, based on the kinetic energy of particles, and collisions between neighboring particles.

Student teams design and build solar water heaters to capture energy in the form of solar radiation and convert it to thermal energy. Once the model devices are constructed, students perform efficiency calculations and compare designs.

Learn about the three phases of matter, and how the addition and removal of thermal energy (also known as heat) affects them.