Thermal Physics Flashcards
What is absolute zero?
When kinetic energy of particles equal zero
How to convert degrees to kelvin?
Add 273
How to convert Kelvin to degrees
Minus 273
Define radiation.
Electromagnetic waves travelling through no medium
What’s the difference between boiling and evaporation?
Evaporation is below boiling point and boiling is above
What is convection?
When particles are heated in liquids by convection currents
Define conduction
When particles collide and transfer energy from high to low temperatures in solids.
What is specific heat capacity?
The energy (J) needed to change the temperature of a substance
Specific heat capacity equation
E = mc🔺t
What’s specific heat capacity measured in
J/kg
What’s energy measured in
joules
Describe the structure of a solid
Fixed shape and volume, vibrate at a fixed position, strong intermolecular attraction
Describe structure of a liquid
Fixed volume, flows, weaker intermolecular attraction, molecules move randomly
Describe properties of gas
No fixed volume or shape, move freely, no forces between particles
What is thermal expansion?
Particles gain energy meaning when they collide with more energy they spread apart further causing expansion (mostly gas and liquids)
Why can gas be compressed but liquid can’t?
Gas particles have weaker forces of attraction and are therefore more spread out but liquid molecules are very close together
Describe the movement of gas molecules
Randomly free to move. Collide with walls and other particles
Liquid molecules arrangement different from solid
Liquid have random arrangement and are free to move randomly and are further apart
Solid vibrate at a fixed position
