Thermal Physics

Question 1

what is the zeroth law of thermodynamics

Answer 1

if two thermodynamic systems are each in equilibrium with a third one, then they are in thermal equilibrium with each other

Question 2

what is the Celsius scale based off

Answer 2

freezing and boiling points of water

Question 3

what is the kelvin/absolute scale based off

Answer 3

uses absolute zero and the triple point of water as its scale markers

Question 4

what is the triple point of water

Answer 4

• a unique point of pressure and temperature where a substance can exist as all 3 states at once
• at this point, the substance is in thermal equilibrium

Question 5

what are the key points in the kinetic model of a solid

Answer 5

• regular structure
• particles vibrate about a fixed point
• can’t be compressed
• least energy
• strong forces of attraction
• most dense

Question 6

what are the key points in the kinetic model of a liquid

Answer 6

• particles free to move
• no fixed shape
• weaker forces of attraction
• more energy
• less dense
• can’t be compressed

Question 7

what are the key points in the kinetic model of a gas

Answer 7

• lots of energy
• almost no forces of attraction
• least dense
• can be compressed

Question 8

What are the key assumptions made in the kinetic theory of gases

Answer 8

-the gas contains a large number of atoms moving in random directions with random speeds
- the atoms occupy negligible volume compared to the volume of the gas
- collisions of atoms with each other and container walls are perfectly elastic
- time of collision is negligible compared to time between collisions
- electrostatic forces between atoms are negligible except during collisions