Heat

Figure 1. Aerogel is a type of insulating material, meaning that it is very resistant to the flow of heat by conduction.

Heat is a transfer of thermal energy caused by a difference in temperature. This temperature difference is also called a temperature gradient. Since heat is a movement of energy, it is measured in the same units as energy: joules (J). It should also be noted that work and heat are closely related (see heat vs work for more information).

Note:

• Heat and temperature are not the same. For an explanation on why, visit heat vs temperature.

The second law of thermodynamics proves that heat will always flow spontaneously from higher temperatures to lower temperatures. This energy flow can be harnessed by a heat engine to do useful work. Heat pumps can also force thermal energy to flow backwards (from cold to hot), but these require energy input.

Methods of heat transfer

There are three heat transfer mechanisms:

• Conduction occurs between objects that are touching each other. Collisions between small particles allow fast moving, or vibrating, particles to give some of their microscopic kinetic energy to slower particles.

• Convection is heat transfer caused by moving fluids. In a fluid, particles can mix together and the faster particles move around and spread out, thus distributing their thermal energy. Warm air coming from a heating vent to flow around a cool room is an example of convection.

• Radiation occurs without the movement of matter. Thermal radiation is made of electromagnetic waves given off by moving particles. These waves can also be absorbed by materials. Microwave ovens work by radiation and the entire surface of the Earth is heated by the sun's solar radiation.

See heat transfer mechanisms for general information on how heat moves.