Question

Name three factors on which heat energy absorbed by a body depends and state how does it depend on them.

Answer 1

Step1: Heat energy

1. Heat energy is defined as that energy, which is transferred from one body to another because of the difference in temperature.
2. If we bring together two bodies, which are at different temperatures, energy is transferred. i.e. heat will transfer from the hotter body to the colder body.
3. When the temperature of a cup filled with coffee feels hot. It is hot because heat from the coffee is transferred to the cup.
4. Mathematically, Heat energy $\left(Q\right)$= $mc∆T$, Where $m$=mass of the body, $c$=specific heat. $∆T$= change in temperature.

Step2: Factors affecting heat energy

1. It can be readily seen by the formula, $Q\propto mc∆T$
2. The mass of the body: The heat energy is directly proportional to the mass of the body.
3. The increase in temperature of the body: The quantity of heat energy is directly proportional to the rise in temperature.
4. The material of the body: The heat energy depends on the substance of the object which is expressed in terms of its specific heat capacity.

Thus, Heat energy is dependent on mass, specific heat, and changes in the temperature of the body.