Topic 3: Thermal physics

Essential idea:

Thermal physics deftly demonstrates the links between the macroscopic measurements essential to many scientific models with the microscopic properties that underlie these models

Nature of science:

Evidence through experimentation: Scientists from the 17th and 18th centuries were working without the knowledge of atomic structure and sometimes developed theories that were later found to be incorrect, such as phlogiston and perpetual motion capabilities. Our current understanding relies on statistical mechanics providing a basis for our use and understanding of energy transfer in science. (1.8)

Understandings:

• Molecular theory of solids, liquids and gases
• Temperature and absolute temperature
• Internal energy
• Specific heat capacity
• Phase change
• Specific latent heat

Applications and skills

Guidance

Data Booklet reference

• s = vt
• There is a "Δx" not for every distance s.

International-mindedness

Theory of knowledge

Utilization

Aims

• Aim 1:
• Aim 2:

Essential idea:

The properties of ideal gases allow scientists to make predictions of the behaviour of real gases.

Nature of science:

Collaboration: Scientists in the 19th century made valuable progress on the modern theories that form the basis of thermodynamics, making important links with other sciences, especially chemistry. The scientific method was in evidence with contrasting but complementary statements of some laws derived by different scientists. Empirical and theoretical thinking both have their place in science and this is evident in the comparison between the unattainable ideal gas and real gases. (4.1)

Understandings:

• Pressure
• Equation of state for an ideal gas
• Kinetic model of an ideal gas
• Mole, molar mass and the Avogadro constant
• Differences between real and ideal gases

Applications and skills

• Solving problems using the equation of state for an ideal gas and gas laws
• Sketching and interpreting changes of state of an ideal gas on pressure– volume, pressure–temperature and volume–temperature diagrams
• Investigating at least one gas law experimentally

Guidance

Data Booklet reference

• s = vt
• There is a "Δx" not for every distance s.

International-mindedness

Theory of knowledge

Utilization

Aims

• Aim 1:
• Aim 2: