Thermodynamics

Nature of science:

Variety of perspectives: With three alternative and equivalent statements of the second law of thermodynamics, this area of physics demonstrates the collaboration and testing involved in confirming abstract notions such as this. (4.1)

• The first law of thermodynamics
• The second law of thermodynamics
• Entropy
• Cyclic processes and pV diagrams
• Isovolumetric, isobaric, isothermal and adiabatic processes
• Carnot cycle
• Thermal efficiency

Applications and skills:

• Describing the first law of thermodynamics as a statement of conservation of energy
• Explaining sign convention used when stating the first law of thermodynamics as
• Solving problems involving the first law of thermodynamics
• Describing the second law of thermodynamics in Clausius form, Kelvin form and as a consequence of entropy
• Describing examples of processes in terms of entropy change
• Solving problems involving entropy changes
• Sketching and interpreting cyclic processes
• Solving problems for adiabatic processes for monatomic gases using 5 pV 3 = constant
• Solving problems involving thermal efficiency

• Solving problems involving the first law of thermodynamics
• Describing the second law of thermodynamics in Clausius form, Kelvin form and as a consequence of entropy

• The development of this topic was the subject of intense debate between scientists of many countries in the 19th century

Utilization:

• This work leads directly to the concept of the heat engines that play such a large role in modern society
• The possibility of the heat death of the universe is based on ever-increasing entropy
• Chemistry of entropy (see Chemistry sub-topic 15.2)

Aims:

• Aim 5: development of the second law demonstrates the collaboration involved in scientific pursuits
• Aim 10: the relationships and similarities between scientific disciplines are particularly apparent here

• If cycles other than the Carnot cycle are used quantitatively, full details will be provided
• Only graphical analysis will be required for determination of work done on a pV diagram when pressure is not constant

Data booklet reference: