Year:11/12
Department:Physics
Level:Part I
Learning Hours:80
Credit Points:8
Weight:0.2
Course Convenor:Dr EA Burovskiy
Status:Live
Assessment Rules
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CMod description
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An
introduction to the thermal properties of matter and the idea of temperature.
Topics discussed include the ideas of thermal equilibrium, temperature, heat
and thermal expansion. Equations of state, kinetic theory and molecular speeds
in gases. Phase changes. Work, internal energy and first law of thermodynamics.
Heat capacities.
Curriculum Design: Outline Syllabus
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Temperature and heat. Thermal equilibrium. Zeroth law of thermodynamics. Thermal expansion. Temperature scales. Mechanisms of heat transfer. Phase changes. Black body radiation. Stefan-Boltzmann law.
Equations of state. Kinetic model of an ideal gas. Molecular speeds. Equipartition of energy.
First law of thermodynamics. Work done. Different types of thermodynamic process, Thermodynamic states. Internal energy.
Thermal capacity. Especially of an ideal gas.
Second law of thermodynamics. Heat engines. Refrigerators. Carnot cycle. Kelvin temperature scale. Entropy. Microscopic interpretation.
Chapters in ?Young' Ed.11: Temperature and Heat 17; Thermal Properties of Matter and Kinetic Theory 18; Thermodynamics and the 1st Law 19; Heat Engines 20.
Curriculum Design: Pre-requisites/Co-requisites/Exclusions
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Part I Entry Requirements
A level Maths and Physics
Educational Aims: Subject Specific: Knowledge, Understanding and Skills
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To describe the thermal properties of matter and relate these to the fundamental mechanical properties of these systems.
Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific: Knowledge, Understanding and Skills
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On completion of the module, students should be able to :
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appreciate the role of thermodynamics in describing macroscopic physical situations.
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display a familiarity with fundamental thermal phenomena.
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understand the basic concepts through which the phenomena are described, in particular those of temperature, work, heat, internal energy and entropy.
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apply their knowledge to modelling real phenomena and situations.
Curriculum Design: Select Bibliography
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(E) H D Young & R A Freedman University Physics, Addison-Wesley, 11th Ed.
