Thermal Properties of Materials

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What are thermal properties of materials?

Thermal properties are characteristics of materials that describe their behavior under temperature changes.

Define thermal expansion.

Thermal expansion is the increase in volume of a material as its temperature increases.

What is the difference between linear and volumetric thermal expansion?

Linear thermal expansion refers to change in length, while volumetric thermal expansion refers to change in volume.

How is the coefficient of thermal expansion defined?

The coefficient of thermal expansion is a numerical value that represents how much a material expands per degree of temperature increase.

What is thermal conductivity?

Thermal conductivity is a measure of a material's ability to conduct heat.

Explain thermal diffusivity.

Thermal diffusivity measures how quickly heat spreads through a material.

What factors influence thermal expansion of materials?

Factors include the material’s atomic structure, temperature, and physical state.

What materials typically have high thermal conductivity?

Metals like copper and aluminum typically have high thermal conductivity.

What are some applications that require materials with low thermal expansion?

Applications include precision instruments, spacecraft, and optical components which require dimensional stability across temperatures.

Describe the importance of thermal insulation in building materials.

Thermal insulation maintains a comfortable indoor temperature and increases energy efficiency by reducing heat loss or gain.

How does temperature affect the electrical resistance of materials?

In conductors, resistance typically increases with temperature, while in semiconductors, it decreases.

What is the Seebeck effect?

The Seebeck effect is the generation of an electrical voltage across a conductor or semiconductor when subjected to a temperature gradient.

What role does thermal conductivity play in heat exchangers?

High thermal conductivity allows efficient heat transfer between fluids in a heat exchanger.

Why are ceramics often used as insulators?

Ceramics are used because they have low thermal and electrical conductivity.

What is the purpose of thermal paste in electronics?

Thermal paste improves the heat transfer between a heat-generating component and a heat sink by filling in air gaps.