Particle Model matter

Vocabulary flashcards covering equations, measurement errors, state changes, and particle model concepts from thermal physics.

Parallax Error

A measurement error that occurs when readings are not taken at eye level.

Zero Error

A measurement error that is corrected by adding or subtracting the zero error value from the reading taken from an object.

Top Pan Balance

An instrument used to measure mass.

Specific Latent Heat Equation

The mathematical formula $E = m L$, where $E$ is energy, $m$ is mass, and $L$ is specific latent heat.

Specific Heat Capacity Equation

The mathematical formula $\Delta E = m c \Delta \theta$, where $\Delta E$ is change in thermal energy, $m$ is mass, $c$ is specific heat capacity, and $\Delta \theta$ is temperature change.

Density Equation

The mathematical formula $\rho = \frac{m}{V}$, where $\rho$ is density, $m$ is mass, and $V$ is volume.

Specific Heat Capacity of Ice vs Water

Ice has a lower specific heat capacity than water, requiring less energy to increase its temperature, which produces a steeper gradient on a heating graph.

Latent Heat of Fusion vs Vaporisation Line

The horizontal line for latent heat of fusion is shorter than for latent heat of vaporisation, indicating that melting requires less time and less energy than vaporising.

Gas Pressure Effect from Increased Volume

Increasing gas volume provides more space for gas particles to move, resulting in fewer collisions per second with the walls, less force exerted on the surface, and a decrease in pressure.

Gas Compression Effect on Temperature

Compressing a gas quickly does work on the air, causing gas particles to gain kinetic energy and increasing both internal energy and temperature.

Effect of Temperature on Gas Pressure

As temperature increases, gas particles gain kinetic energy, causing more collisions per second with container walls and exerting more force, which increases pressure.

Kinetic Energy and Velocity Relationship

Calculated using $KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2$; halving the speed $v$ reduces the kinetic energy by a factor of $4$.