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NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 3 on Heat defines temperature and teaches us about different types of thermometers- clinical thermometers and laboratory thermometers. Further, we explore different modes of heat transfer- conduction, convection, and radiation. Also, we get to know about the phenomena of sea breeze and land breeze, which helps us get clarity on heat transfer via convection. To help you understand all these Class 7 Science topics, we have created these notes. In addition, the notes also provide you with NCERT solutions to writing questions following the chapter.
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| Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 |
| Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 |
| Chapter 13 |
Table of Contents
Revise CBSE Notes Class 6 Science
Temperature and Ways to Measure Temperature
Let us start learning NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 3 by exploring definitions and concepts related to temperature and the measurement of temperature.
Temperature
The measure of hotness or coldness of an object is termed as “Temperature”.
Thermometer
The thermometer is a device used to measure the temperature of an object. There are two kinds of thermometers- Clinical thermometers and Laboratory thermometers.
Clinical Thermometer
A clinical thermometer is used to measure the human body temperature only. It is used at homes and by doctors and nurses in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
Here are some features of a Clinical Thermometer:
- Structure: A clinical thermometer comprises an elongated, slender, even glass tube with a reservoir at one end that holds mercury. The mercury is visible within the reservoir in a small, shining column.
- Scale/Range: A clinical thermometer with a Celcius scale reads temperature from 35°C to 42°C. Whereas, one with a Fahrenheit scale reads temperature from 94°F to 108°F.
- How to Read:
- Initially, observe the temperature variation displayed between the two larger indicators.
- Additionally, take note of the number of divisions situated between these indicators.
- If the larger indicators represent one degree, and there are five divisions between them, then each small division corresponds to 0.2 degrees Celsius.
- Precautions to use a Clinical thermometer:
- Clean the thermometer, especially with an antiseptic solution, before and after using the thermometer.
- Make certain that the mercury level is below 35°C before employing the thermometer.
- When reading the thermometer, ensure that the mercury level aligns with your line of vision.
- Exercise caution in handling the thermometer to prevent it from shattering if it comes into contact with a solid object.
- Avoid gripping the thermometer by the bulb when taking readings.
- Normal Temperature of a Human Body: 37°C
Laboratory Thermometer
A laboratory thermometer is used to measure the temperature of objects other than human beings.
Here are some features of a Clinical Thermometer:
- Sacle/Range: Typically, a laboratory thermometer has a temperature range that spans from -10°C to 110°C.
- Precautions to use a Laboratory Thermometer:
- Maintain the thermometer in an upright position and avoid tilting it.
- Ensure that the bulb is fully surrounded by the material for which you are measuring the temperature. The bulb should not come into direct contact with the surface of the container.
Also Read: Thermal Properties of Matter: Class 11 Physics Notes
Heat Transfer
Heat transfer is an important topic in the NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 3. In this section, we learn about ways of heat transfer and associated phenomena like Sea Breeze and Land Breeze.
Conduction
The phenomenon in which heat is transferred from the warmer end to the cooler end of an object is referred to as “Conduction”. In solids, heat is usually transferred via conduction.
| Conductors | Insulators |
| Substances or objects that easily allow heat to pass via them are known as “Conductors” | Substances or objects that try to restrict heat from passing through them are known as “Insulators.” |
| Examples: Copper, Aluminium, and Iron | Examples: Wood, Glass, and Plastic |
Convection
Convection is the process of heat transfer in fluids (like liquids and gases) where warmer portions rise and cooler parts sink, creating a circulation or flow of the fluid. It is commonly seen in activities like boiling water or in the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans, land breeze, and sea breeze.
| Sea Breeze | Land Breeze |
| In coastal regions, land tends to heat up more rapidly than water during the day. As a result, the air above the land becomes warmer and ascends. Cooler air from the sea moves in to fill the void left by the rising warm air, while the warm air from the land moves toward the sea, completing this cycle. The incoming air from the sea is known as the “Sea Breeze”. | In coastal areas, houses are often designed with windows facing the sea to take advantage of the cooling sea breeze during the day. At night, the situation is reversed. The land cools down more slowly than the water, causing the cooler air from the land to move toward the sea. This nighttime airflow is known as the “Land Breeze”. |
  (Blue Arrow: Cool Air; Red Arrow: Hot Air) |   (Blue Arrow: Cool Air; Red Arrow: Hot Air) |
Radiation
Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as light or heat from the sun. Unlike conduction and convection, radiation does not require a medium (like air or water) to transfer heat; it can travel through a vacuum.
Also Read: Moon Surface Temperature: ISRO Findings
Explore all the Chapters of Class 7 Science:
| Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 |
| Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 |
| Chapter 13 |
NCERT Solutions Class 7 Science Chapter 3: Heat
In this part of our notes, our subject experts have answered all written questions in the “Exercises” of NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 3.
Ques 1. State similarities and differences between the laboratory thermometer and the clinical thermometer.
Ans:
Here are the similarities:
- Both are typically constructed using glass, and they consist of a long, narrow glass tube.
- They both have a bulb at one end, which is used to measure the temperature of the substance or the body.
- Traditionally, both types of thermometers use mercury in the bulb. However, due to the environmental hazards associated with mercury, modern versions may use other materials.
- Both the clinical and laboratory thermometers commonly use the Celsius scale for temperature measurement, which is widely recognized and utilized globally.
Ques 2: Give two examples each of conductors and insulators of heat.
Ans:
- Examples of Conductors: Iron and Aluminium
- Examples of Insulators: Wood and Plastic
Ques 3. Fill up the blanks:
a. The hotness of an object is determined by its ____________.
b. Temperature of boiling water cannot be measured by a_____________ thermometer.
c. Temperature is measured in degree________________.
d. No medium is required for the transfer of heat by the process of_____________.
e. A cold steel spoon is dipped in a cup of hot milk. Heat is transferred to its other end by the process of_________________.
f. Clothes of_______________ colours absorb more heat better than clothes of light colours.
Ans:
a. Temperature
b. Clinical
c. Celsius
d. Radiation
e. Conduction
f. Dark
Ques 4. Match the items from Column I with that in Column II
| Column I | Column II |
| (i) Land breeze blows during | a. Summer |
| (ii) Sea breeze blows during | b. Winter |
| (iii) Dark-coloured clothes are preferred during | c. Day |
| (iv) Light-coloured clothes are preferred during | d. Night |
Ans:
| Column I | Column II |
| (i) Land breeze blows during | d. Night |
| (ii) Sea breeze blows during | c. Day |
| (iii) Dark-coloured clothes are preferred during | b. Winter |
| (iv) Light-coloured clothes are preferred during | a. Summer |
Ques 5. Discuss why wearing more layers of clothing during winter keeps us warmer than wearing just one thick piece of clothing.
Ans: Wearing multiple layers of clothing in winter is more effective in keeping us warm compared to wearing a single, thick garment because it creates pockets of trapped air between the layers. Since air is a poor conductor of heat, it acts as an insulator and prevents the escape of body heat. Thus, it provides better insulation against the cold.
Ques 7. In places of hot climate, it is advised that the outer walls of houses be painted white. Explain.
Ans: In regions with hot climates, it is recommended to paint the exterior walls of houses white because white colour has a highly reflective property. This means it bounces back a significant portion of the heat from the sun. White surfaces are also less efficient at absorbing heat, and this strategy effectively contributes to maintaining a cooler indoor environment in the house.
Ques 8. One litre of water at 30°C is mixed with one litre of water at 50°C. The temperature of the mixture will be:
a. 80°C
b. more than 50°C but less than 80°C
c. 20°C
d. between 30°C and 50°C
Ans: d. between 30°C and 50°C
Ques 9. An iron ball at 40°C is dropped in a mug containing water at 40°C. The heat will:
a. flow from iron ball to water.
b. not flow from iron ball to water or from water to iron ball.
c. flow from water to iron ball.
d. increase the temperature of both.
Ans: b. not flow from iron ball to water or from water to iron ball.
Ques 10. A wooden spoon is dipped in a cup of ice cream. Its other end:
a. becomes cold by the process of conduction.
b. becomes cold by the process of convection.
c. becomes cold by the process of radiation.
d. does not become cold.
Ans: d. does not become cold.
Ques 11. Stainless steel pans are usually provided with copper bottoms. The reason for this could be that:
a. copper bottom makes the pan more durable.
b. such pans appear colourful.
c. copper is a better conductor of heat than the stainless steel.
d. copper is easier to clean than stainless steel.
Ans: c. copper is a better conductor of heat than stainless steel.
Also Read:
| NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 1 Nutrition in Plants: Notes, Solutions, Free PDF |
| NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 2 Nutrition in Animals: Notes, Solutions, Free PDF |
FAQs
Q 1. What is radiation?
Ans: Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as light or heat from the sun.
Q 2. Is air a good conductor of air?
Ans: No. Air is a bad conductor of heat.
Q 3. In sea breeze and land breeze heat is transferred through which method?
Ans: Sea breeze and land breeze occur due to the transfer of heat via convection.
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