Heat
The transfer of thermal energy from a hotter region to a colder region due to a temperature difference. Heat is measured in joules (J) and is not the same as temperature (which is the energy per particle, measured in kelvin). Heat flows by conduction, convection, or radiation until thermal equilibrium is reached (no net heat flow).
Formula
Q = mcΔT
Real World
Firefighters use water to cool burning buildings precisely because water's high specific heat capacity (4200 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹) means it absorbs enormous amounts of heat energy for a relatively small temperature rise.
Exam Focus
Distinguish heat (energy transferred) from temperature (energy per particle); confusing the two in 'explain' questions will cost marks.
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