Key terms & definitions

Energy transfer from a hotter object to a colder object because of their temperature difference.

A graph showing how the temperature of a substance changes as it is heated.

A graph showing how the temperature of a substance changes as it is heated, commonly plotted against time.

The transfer of electrical energy to the thermal energy stores of a conductor and its surroundings when current flows through resistance.

The transfer of energy to a component and its surroundings by heating when an electric current flows against resistance.

The transfer of electrical energy to thermal energy when charge flows through a component with electrical resistance.

A component that becomes hot when an electric current transfers energy to it.

A component designed to become hot when current flows through it, transferring energy to its thermal store.

A protective surface placed beneath heating apparatus to shield the bench from heat.

Able to withstand relatively high temperatures without losing the properties needed for its use.

Using controlled heat to stabilise a thermoplastic synthetic textile's shape or retain features such as pleats.

An insulating polymer sleeve that contracts when heated to fit closely around a wire, joint or component.

Special paper that temporarily carries a printed design before heat and pressure transfer the dye to a compatible material.

A prolonged period of unusually high temperatures for a particular place and time of year.

A prolonged period of unusually hot weather for a particular place and time of year.

Eternal happiness in the presence of God.

Industries producing basic materials, power and large machinery, such as coal mining, steelmaking and electricity generation.

A large-scale animal sacrifice, traditionally of one hundred cattle.

A certification mark indicating that a food product meets kosher requirements.

An area equal to 10,000 square metres, commonly used for measuring land.

A test that measures the degree of liking or disliking of a food using a scale.

The pursuit of pleasure; Plutarch uses it critically when discussing Theseus’ motives for taking women.

The leader of an alliance; Philip II and then Alexander held this position in the League of Corinth.

The distance from the soles of the feet to the top of the head when standing upright.

A monocular depth cue in which objects higher in the visual field, towards the horizon in a ground-level scene, appear further away.

A person entitled to inherit a position or property, including a royal throne.

A person entitled to inherit another person's property or wealth.

A woman who inherits money or property.

The legendary daughter of Zeus and Leda, celebrated for her beauty. She married Menelaus and is also known as Helen of Sparta.

A bacterium that can infect the stomach lining and cause stomach ulcers.