Thermal Physics

Know the distinguishing properties of solids, liquids and gases

Know the terms for the changes in state between solids, liquids and gases (gas to solid and solid to gas transfers are not required)

Describe the particle structure of solids, liquids and gases in terms of the arrangement, separation and motion of the particles and represent these states using simple particle diagrams

Describe the relationship between the motion of particles and temperature, including the idea that there is a lowest possible temperature (−273 °C), known as absolute zero, where the particles have least kinetic energy

Describe the pressure and the changes in pressure of a gas in terms of the motion of its particles and their collisions with a surface

Know that the random motion of microscopic particles in a suspension is evidence for the kinetic particle model of matter

Describe and explain this motion (sometimes known as Brownian motion) in terms of random collisions between the microscopic particles in a suspension and the particles of the gas or liquid

Know that the forces and distances between particles (atoms, molecules, ions and electrons) and the motion of the particles affects the properties of solids, liquids and gases

Describe the pressure and the changes in pressure of a gas in terms of the forces exerted by particles colliding with surfaces, creating a force per unit area

Know that microscopic particles may be moved by collisions with light fast-moving molecules and correctly use the terms atoms or molecules as distinct from microscopic particles

Describe qualitatively, in terms of particles, the effect on the pressure of a fixed mass of gas of: (a) a change of temperature at constant volume (b) a change of volume at constant temperature

Convert temperatures between kelvin and degrees Celsius; recall and use the equation T (in K) = θ (in °C) + 273

Recall and use the equation pV = constant for a fixed mass of gas at constant temperature, including a graphical representation of this relationship

Describe, qualitatively, the thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases at constant pressure

Describe some of the everyday applications and consequences of thermal expansion

Explain, in terms of the motion and arrangement of particles, the relative order of magnitudes of the expansion of solids, liquids and gases as their temperatures rise

Know that a rise in the temperature of an object increases its internal energy

Describe an increase in temperature of an object in terms of an increase in the average kinetic energies of all of the particles in the object

Define specific heat capacity as the energy required per unit mass per unit temperature increase; recall and use the equation ∆E c = m∆θ

Describe experiments to measure the specific heat capacity of a solid and a liquid

Describe melting and boiling in terms of energy input without a change in temperature

Know the melting and boiling temperatures for water at standard atmospheric pressure

Describe condensation and solidification in terms of particles

Describe evaporation in terms of the escape of more-energetic particles from the surface of a liquid

Know that evaporation causes cooling of a liquid

Describe the differences between boiling and evaporation

Describe how temperature, surface area and air movement over a surface affect evaporation

Explain the cooling of an object in contact with an evaporating liquid

Describe experiments to demonstrate the properties of good thermal conductors and bad thermal conductors (thermal insulators)

Describe thermal conduction in all solids in terms of atomic or molecular lattice vibrations and also in terms of the movement of free (delocalised) electrons in metallic conductors

Describe, in terms of particles, why thermal conduction is bad in gases and most liquids

Know that there are many solids that conduct thermal energy better than thermal insulators but do so less well than good thermal conductors

Know that convection is an important method of thermal energy transfer in liquids and gases

Explain convection in liquids and gases in terms of density changes and describe experiments to illustrate convection

Know that thermal radiation is infrared radiation and that all objects emit this radiation

Know that thermal energy transfer by thermal radiation does not require a medium

Describe the effect of surface colour (black or white) and texture (dull or shiny) on the emission, absorption and reflection of infrared radiation

Know that for an object to be at a constant temperature it needs to transfer energy away from the object at the same rate that it receives energy

Know what happens to an object if the rate at which it receives energy is less or more than the rate at which it transfers energy away from the object

Know how the temperature of the Earth is affected by factors controlling the balance between incoming radiation and radiation emitted from the Earth’s surface

Describe experiments to distinguish between good and bad emitters of infrared radiation

Describe experiments to distinguish between good and bad absorbers of infrared radiation

Describe how the rate of emission of radiation depends on the surface temperature and surface area of an object

Explain some of the basic everyday applications and consequences of conduction, convection and radiation, including: (a) heating objects such as kitchen pans (b) heating a room by convection

Explain some of the complex applications and consequences of conduction, convection and radiation where more than one type of thermal energy transfer is significant, including: (a) a fire burning wood or coal (b) a radiator in a car