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avatarFairTangerine2097
Secondary IV • 2yr.

Hello,

I am having difficulty understanding how the thermal energy formula works. Could you explain to me, please?

Thank you so much!

Chemistry
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Explanations (1)

  • Explanation from Alloprof

    Explanation from Alloprof

    This Explanation was submitted by a member of the Alloprof team.

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      avatarMarilee Tteacher check
      Team Alloprof • 2yr. edited September 2021

      Hi,

      Thanks for your question! :)

      The thermal energy formula calculates how much energy is transferred. It can either be absorbed or released. The formula is:

      Q = mcΔt

      In this formula, Q is the amount of energy that is absorbed/released, m is the mass of the observed substance, c is the specific heat capacity, that is, the amount of energy that one gram of the substance must be supplied for the temperature to rise by one degree and ΔT is the temperature change.

      Warning!! The temperature variation can be negative. When an object is cooled, the Q is negative because the object loses energy since it is cooled.

      Thus, if Q is positive, the object has therefore absorbed energy since it has been reheated.

      Let us know if we can help you with anything else!

      -Marilee

    Québec RioTinto Desjardins Pathy TROTTIER OTHER
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