Topic 9: Thermodynamics
0.9 Specification notice:
In order to develop their practical skills, students should be encouraged
to carry out a range of practical experiments related to this topic. Possible
experiments include investigating the relationship between the volume
and temperature of a fixed mass of gas. Mathematical skills that could be
developed in this topic include substituting numerical values into
algebraic equations using appropriate units for physical quantities. This
topic may be studied using applications that relate to thermodynamics,
for example space technology.
9.Q Exam questions
, 9.144 Be able to use the equations ΔE = mcΔθ and ΔE = LΔm
Define Specific Heat capacity, latent heat of ● The energy required to raise the
fusion and vapourisation and their temperature of 1kg of substance by
equations? 1K [E=mcΔΘ]
● The energy needed to convert 1kg of
a solid to a liquid at its melting point
in a steady state [E=mLf]
● Vapourisation is from liquid to gas
[E= mLv]
Interestingly enough, sublimation is going
straight from solid to gas which is how you
can smell soap
Define Heat Energy transfer from a body or region of
high temperature to a lower temperature
Explain why water is often used as a Water has a very high specific heat capacity
coolant? relative to other substances so can absorb a
lot of thermal energy without a large
increase in temperature
Define Steady state? Keeping a system at a constant
temperature
Could also be called an isothermal state
No transfer of heat in or out
9.145 CORE PRACTICAL 12: Calibrate a thermistor in a
potential divider circuit as a thermostat.
0.9 Specification notice:
In order to develop their practical skills, students should be encouraged
to carry out a range of practical experiments related to this topic. Possible
experiments include investigating the relationship between the volume
and temperature of a fixed mass of gas. Mathematical skills that could be
developed in this topic include substituting numerical values into
algebraic equations using appropriate units for physical quantities. This
topic may be studied using applications that relate to thermodynamics,
for example space technology.
9.Q Exam questions
, 9.144 Be able to use the equations ΔE = mcΔθ and ΔE = LΔm
Define Specific Heat capacity, latent heat of ● The energy required to raise the
fusion and vapourisation and their temperature of 1kg of substance by
equations? 1K [E=mcΔΘ]
● The energy needed to convert 1kg of
a solid to a liquid at its melting point
in a steady state [E=mLf]
● Vapourisation is from liquid to gas
[E= mLv]
Interestingly enough, sublimation is going
straight from solid to gas which is how you
can smell soap
Define Heat Energy transfer from a body or region of
high temperature to a lower temperature
Explain why water is often used as a Water has a very high specific heat capacity
coolant? relative to other substances so can absorb a
lot of thermal energy without a large
increase in temperature
Define Steady state? Keeping a system at a constant
temperature
Could also be called an isothermal state
No transfer of heat in or out
9.145 CORE PRACTICAL 12: Calibrate a thermistor in a
potential divider circuit as a thermostat.
