Level 4: Temperature, measured

Heat and matter · level 4 of 8 · rough age 11-12 (a guide for parents; anyone can start anywhere)

Now the numbers. You meet the kelvin scale and absolute zero, the difference between heat and temperature, and the formula \(Q = mc\Delta T\) for how much energy it takes to warm something up. Then you use it to see why things grow when they warm, and why a Mars night gets so cold so fast.

Lesson	You will be able to
Celsius and kelvin	Convert between °C, K and °F, and explain absolute zero
Heat and temperature	Explain why a hot spark holds less heat than a warm bath
Specific heat capacity	Use \(Q = mc\Delta T\), and compare warming air on Mars and on Earth
Heating water	Use \(Q = Pt\) to find how long heating takes, and size a hot-water store
Thermal expansion	Use \(\Delta L = \alpha L \Delta T\) for a beam through a Mars day and night
A Mars night	Explain why Mars's temperature swings so far between day and night

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