AQA Physics A-level: Thermal Physics

Flashcards covering key concepts from Thermal Physics.

Internal Energy

The sum of all kinetic and potential energies of all particles in a body.

Specific Heat Capacity

The amount of energy required to increase the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 °C, without changing its state.

Latent Heat

The amount of energy required to change the state of 1kg of a substance without changing its temperature.

Boyle’s Law

When temperature is constant, pressure and volume are inversely proportional.

Charles’ Law

When pressure is constant, volume is directly proportional to absolute temperature.

Pressure Law

When volume is constant, pressure is directly proportional to absolute temperature.

Absolute Zero

The lowest possible temperature, equivalent to 0 K, where particles have no kinetic energy.

Kinetic Theory

A theoretical model that explains the behavior of gases in terms of particles in motion.

Mean Square Speed

The average of the squares of the speeds of gas molecules.

Ideal Gas

A hypothetical gas that perfectly follows the gas laws without intermolecular forces.

Work Done

The product of pressure and change in volume.

Thermal Energy Transfer

The process of energy being transferred due to temperature difference.

Avogadro's Constant

The number of atoms/molecules in one mole of a substance, approximately 6.02 × 10²³.

Specific Latent Heat of Fusion

The energy required to change 1 kg of a substance from solid to liquid at its melting point.

Specific Latent Heat of Vaporisation

The energy required to change 1 kg of a substance from liquid to gas at its boiling point.

Gas Laws

Empirical relationships that describe how pressure, volume, and temperature interact for a fixed mass of gas.