Thermal physics deftly demonstrates the links between the macroscopic measurements essential to many scientific models with the microscopic properties that underlie these models.
Aims
Understand how the states of matter can be explained using the particle model.
Introduce the concept of amount of matter being quantified by number of atoms.
Define the mole and Avagadro's number.
Understand how the macroscopic quantities heat and temperature relate to the microscopic properties of atoms.
Understand how the states of matter can be explained in terms of particles.
Have an idea as to how relative atomic masses were calculated.
TOK
Could matter be continuous?
Is there an alternative to the particle theory of matter? Are we so used to explaining everything in terms of particles it is impossible to think outside the box?
Could it be possible to keep cutting the cheese for ever?
Common misconceptions related to drawings of atoms (too close, too big, liquid atoms further apart then solid).
NOS
What was the Greek's evidence for believing that the atom was the smallest unit of matter?
Simple is best.
How the particle model developed is a good example of the scientific method, could try to fit this into the how science works flow chart.
The way we can use knowledge related to rubber balls to explain the properties of a gas.
The original periodic table was based on relative atomic mass, this didn't quite work due to some elements that were in the wrong place. The discovery of atomic number solved this problem.
Molecular theory of solids, liquids and gases
Temperature and absolute temperature
Internal energy
Specific heat capacity
Phase change
Specific latent heat
Describing temperature change in terms of internal energy
Using Kelvin and Celsius temperature scales and converting between them
Applying the calorimetric techniques of specific heat capacity or specific latent heat experimentally
Describing phase change in terms of molecular behaviour
Sketching and interpreting phase change graphs
Calculating energy changes involving specific heat capacity and specific latent heat of fusion and vaporization
Specific heat capacity
Define specific heat capacity and heat capacity.
Solve problems with specific heat capacity.
Measure specific heat capacity.
Changes of State
Particle model of phase change.
Define specific latent heats.
Solve problems regarding latent heat.
Measure latent heat.
Gases
Kinetic theory.
Boyle's law
Pressure law
Charles' law
Mechanical Energy to Internal Energy
Where does the energy go?
Specific heat capacity and mechanical energy.
Can we measure the changes in temperature of a metal as a result of changes in mechanical energy?
How do we measure temperature and internal heat?
Interpreting a temperature v. time graph of water phase changes.
Please complete 1 of the following:
Concept Check 3 - 3.2 Conceptual - Added 23/11/2021
Concept Check 4 - 3.2 Problems - Added 23/11/2021
Please submit on GC for feedback:
Kognity: Using your ACS Login,
OpenStax:
CPRR:
PhET Simulations - States of Matter (Does not show Latency of phase changes)
PhET Simulations:
States of Matter (In browser version, does not model latent heat)
Friction (In browser)
Gas Properties (JAVA Script)
Khan Academy Resources:
Other Video Explanations:
Heating - Bozeman Science
Heat Exchange - Bozeman Science
Calorimetry - Bozeman Science
Thermal Physics - PassionatelyCurious
Text Resources:
What does Heat do? - The Physics Classroom (3 pages)
Online Simulations
You should be able to STATE the definition of each term.
Macroscopic
Microscopic
Mole
Vacuum
Element
State
Atom
Molecule
Temperature
Heat
Thermal
Thermometer
Freezing
Boiling
Internal energy
Celsius
Conduction
Convection
Radiation
Insulator
Conductor
Current
Fusion
Melting
Vaporisation
Latent Heat
Specific Heat
Heat capacity
Condensation
Calorimeter
Ideal
Assumption
Prediction
Pressure
Kinetic
Absolute temperature
Expand
Compress