Thermal Physics in Domestic and Industrial Applications

Conduction: The process by which heat energy is transferred through a substance. It occurs mainly in solids, due to the closer arrangement of their particles.
Convection: The movement of heat energy through gases or liquids. It is driven by differences in density caused by temperature variations.
Radiation: The transfer of energy in the form of waves or particles. Unlike conduction and convection, radiation can transfer energy through a vacuum.
Thermal equilibrium: When two objects are at the same temperature, they are said to be in thermal equilibrium. There is no net heat transfer between them.
Heat capacity: It is the amount of heat that must be added to a substance to raise its temperature by one degree. Different materials have different heat capacities.
Specific heat capacity: The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a given quantity of a substance by a specific amount. It varies from substance to substance.
Latent heat: The heat energy absorbed or released by a substance during a phase change.

Industrial Applications of Thermal Physics

Heat Exchangers: These are devices that allow the transfer of heat from one fluid to another without mixing the two.
Refrigeration: Making use of principles of thermal physics, refrigeration systems cool a space by removing heat from it.
Insulation: In construction and manufacturing, thermal principles are used in designing insulations to prevent unwanted heat transfer.
Energy Efficiency: Thermal physics principles are often applied to enhance the energy efficiency of various systems, including engines and power plants.

Home Heating and Insulation: Understanding thermal physics can help in choosing the right materials for effective home insulation and so enhance energy efficiency.
Cooking: In ovens and stovetops, conduction, convection, and radiation are all at play to heat and cook food.
Water Heaters: Concepts of thermal physics are used in the design and function of water heaters.
Air Conditioning: The function of air conditioners is also governed by principles of thermal physics, where heat is transferred from the inside of a building to the outside.