IB PHYSICS Topic 3: Thermal Physics

Intermolecular Forces

Forces holding molecules together in solids, liquids, and gases.

Plasma State

Highly ionized, electrically conductive gas with charged ions and free electrons.

Absolute Temperature

Temperature scale proportional to average kinetic energy per molecule.

Internal Energy

Total kinetic and potential energy sum in a system.

Specific Heat Capacity

Heat needed to raise 1kg of a substance by 1K.

Phase Change

Transition between solid, liquid, and gas states with constant temperature and kinetic energy.

Specific Latent Heat

Heat required for a phase change without temperature change.

Pressure

Normal force per unit area exerted by a gas.

Ideal Gas Equation

PV = nRT, where R = 8.31 J/mol/K.

Kinetic Model of an Ideal Gas

Assumptions and implications of the behavior of ideal gases.

Mole

Unit representing 6.022*10^23 atoms or molecules.

Molar Mass

Mass of 1 mole of any element or compound.

Avogadro’s Constant

6.022*10^23, representing the number of atoms or molecules in a mole.