5.3 - Thermodynamics

Be able to use the equations ΔE = mcΔθ and ΔE = LΔm.

Use - heating and latent heat equations to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because - heating and latent heat equations determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply - heating and latent heat equations to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: use the formula and units given in the question, show the substitution and interpret the result; the calculation alone is not the conclusion.

CORE PRACTICAL 12: Calibrate a thermistor in a potential divider circuit as a thermostat.

Use - core practical 12 - thermistor calibration to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because - core practical 12 - thermistor calibration determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply - core practical 12 - thermistor calibration to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: - Core Practical 12 - thermistor calibration is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.

CORE PRACTICAL 13: Determine the specific latent heat of a phase change.

Use - core practical 13 - specific latent heat to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because - core practical 13 - specific latent heat determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply - core practical 13 - specific latent heat to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: - Core Practical 13 - specific latent heat is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.

Understand the concept of internal energy as the random distribution of potential and kinetic energy amongst molecules.

Use - internal energy to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because - internal energy determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply - internal energy to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: - Internal energy is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.

Understand the concept of absolute zero and how the average kinetic energy of molecules is related to the absolute temperature.

Use - absolute zero and molecular kinetic energy to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because - absolute zero and molecular kinetic energy determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply - absolute zero and molecular kinetic energy to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: - Absolute zero and molecular kinetic energy is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.

Be able to use the equation pV = NkT for an ideal gas.

Use - ideal gas equation to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because - ideal gas equation determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply - ideal gas equation to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: use the formula and units given in the question, show the substitution and interpret the result; the calculation alone is not the conclusion.

CORE PRACTICAL 14: Investigate the relationship between pressure and volume of a gas at fixed temperature.

Use - core practical 14 - gas pressure and volume to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because - core practical 14 - gas pressure and volume determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply - core practical 14 - gas pressure and volume to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: - Core Practical 14 - gas pressure and volume is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.

Derive and use ½m⟨c²⟩ = 3kT/2 for molecular kinetic theory.

Use - molecular kinetic theory equation to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because - molecular kinetic theory equation determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply - molecular kinetic theory equation to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: use the formula and units given in the question, show the substitution and interpret the result; the calculation alone is not the conclusion.