[[Thermodynamics MOC]] # Heat Heat refers to [[Energy]] in the process of being transferred across the boundary between a [[Thermodynamic system]] and its environment due to a difference in [[Temperature]]. For heat transfer to take place, two or more objects must be in [[Thermal contact]]. The flow of heat _into a system_ is given the symbol $Q$. Hence, $Q$ is positive when the system is colder than its environment. Heat is closely related to temperature, but the two are not the same. See [[The relationship between temperature and heat in a solid or liquid]]. Adding heat can also result in a phase change — see [[Heat of transformation]]. --- #state/tidy | #SemBr