The Caloric Theory

The caloric theory is an obsolete theory that stated heat was a fluid that moved from hotter substances to colder substances. Developed by Antoine Lavoisier in the 1770s, much of the caloric theory was confused with the principles of combustion. The caloric theory was superseded by the heat theory in the 19th century.

Effects

The caloric theory incorrectly hypothesized that caloric was a fluid weightless gas that moved through pores of substances to heat and change temperature. It was later proved that heat was energy that changed the state of molecules.

History

Antoine Lavoisier developed the caloric theory in the early days of thermodynamics. Despite his incorrect theory that heat was a fluid gas, Lavoisier was the first to use a calorimeter to measure calories.

Significance

Regardless of the caloric theory being disproved, Lavoisier developed a number of principles that are still used to day. For example; Lavoisier’s principle of heat transference is still used today.

Teaching the Caloric Theory

Teaching the caloric theory has the benefit of demonstrating the evolution of thermodynamics. It shows students that scientific misconceptions are common and occur throughout history.

Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is the study of heat, energy and work in a system. Thermodynamics is concerned only with large scale observations. Its law of conservation states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.