Thermal Physics and Waves Flashcards

Flashcards about thermal physics, kinetic particle theory, factors affecting pressure, heat transfer, thermal processes and waves.

What is thermal physics?

The study of heat, temperature, and their effects on matter.

What is kinetic particle theory?

Kinetic particle theory helps us understand how particles behave in different states of matter; particles are always moving, and their speed depends on the state.

How are particles arranged in solids?

Particles are closely packed in a fixed structure, vibrating in place.

How are particles arranged in liquids?

Particles are close together but can move past one another.

How are particles arranged in gases?

Particles are far apart, moving randomly at high speeds.

What causes Brownian motion?

Caused by collisions with smaller, fast-moving particles.

List factors affecting pressure.

Decreasing volume increases pressure; increasing volume decreases pressure; increasing temperature increases pressure; more particles increase pressure.

What is the formula for pressure changes calculation?

P1V1 = P2V2

What is thermal energy?

Energy that comes from the movement of particles within matter.

What are thermal conductors?

Materials that allow heat to pass through them easily (e.g., copper, aluminum, iron).

What are thermal insulators?

Materials that do not allow heat to pass through them easily (e.g., thermos flask, oven mitts, house insulation).

What is conduction?

Transfer through a solid without the movement of the substance (e.g., metal rod getting hot when the other end is heated).

What is convection?

Transfer of heat in fluids (liquids and gases) by the movement of particles (e.g., boiling water, sea breeze).

What is radiation?

Transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves (e.g., the sun heating the Earth, heat from a fire).

What is electromagnetic radiation?

A special kind of energy that travels in waves through space.

What is a wave?

A disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter.

What is Wave motion?

The transfer of energy without the transfer of matter.

What is Vibration (Oscillation)?

The transfer of energy without the transfer of matter.

What is a ripple?

A small uniform wave on the surface of the water.

How do transverse waves move?

Vibrations are perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.

How do longitudinal waves move?

Vibrations are parallel to the direction of wave travel.

What is the crest or peak of a wave?

The highest point of a wave.

What is the trough of a wave?

The lowest point of a wave.

What is the amplitude of a wave?

The height or size of a wave.

What is the wavelength of a wave?

The distance from one wave to another.

What is the frequency of a sound wave?

How fast the wave vibrates or the number of cycles per second, measured in hertz (Hz).

How does amplitude affect the loudness of sound?

Larger amplitude makes the sound louder; smaller amplitude results in a softer sound.