Heat: Vibration of Atoms or Electromagnetic Radiation?

In summary, heat is the transfer of energy through thermal contact, including methods such as conduction, convection, and radiation. It is not the same as electromagnetic radiation, but it can be transferred through this method along with others like conduction and convection. The internal energy of a system also plays a role in heat transfer.
  • #1
bobobobo
2
0
So heat is vibration of atoms in lattice (or fluid).

Heat is also electromagnetic radiation.

Do we say "heat is electromagnetic radiation", or is that incorrect, since heat is vibration of atoms in lattice?

Should we say "heat is __spread by__ electromagnetic radiation instead?
 
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  • #2


I would say that electromagnetic radiation is one method of the transference of heat. There are other methods. Convection, conduction and radiation are the three classical methods of heat transfer.
 
  • #3


Actually, heat is the energy transferred from body or system to another through "thermal contact," which includes all means of transferring thermal energy, including conduction, convection (which is really conduction through an intermediate fluid), and thermal radiation.

I think what you're talking about is "internal energy" of a system, of which there are several types. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat#Internal_energy".
 
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1. What is heat?

Heat is a form of energy that is transferred from one object or system to another due to a temperature difference. It can be in the form of vibration of atoms or as electromagnetic radiation.

2. How is heat related to the vibration of atoms?

Heat is related to the vibration of atoms because when an object is heated, the atoms within it gain energy and start to vibrate faster, causing an increase in temperature. The more energy the atoms have, the higher the temperature of the object will be.

3. How does electromagnetic radiation transfer heat?

Electromagnetic radiation, such as infrared rays, can transfer heat by emitting energy in the form of waves. When these waves come into contact with an object, they cause the atoms within the object to vibrate, increasing its temperature.

4. What factors affect the transfer of heat through vibration of atoms?

The transfer of heat through vibration of atoms is affected by factors such as the type of material, its density, and the temperature difference between the objects. Different materials have different properties that affect how quickly they can transfer heat through atomic vibration.

5. How is heat measured?

Heat can be measured using a unit called a calorie or a joule. A calorie is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius. A joule is a unit of energy, and one calorie is equal to 4.18 joules. Heat can also be measured using a thermometer, which measures the average kinetic energy of the atoms in an object.

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