Thermal Physics — A-Level Physics Revision
Revise Thermal Physics for A-Level Physics. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel and OCR.
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Go to Ideal GasesWhat is Thermal Physics?
Thermal physics deals with the concepts of temperature, heat, and internal energy. This topic introduces the idea of absolute temperature and the Kelvin scale. You will learn about specific heat capacity, which quantifies the energy needed to change a substance's temperature, and specific latent heat, the energy required for a change of state (like melting or boiling) at a constant temperature.
Board notes: This topic is a core component of the thermal physics section in all A-Level specifications (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). All boards require calculations involving specific heat capacity and specific latent heat. The experimental determination of these quantities is also a common practical focus across all boards.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
Calculate the energy required to turn 2.0 kg of ice at 0°C into water at 20°C. Specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J/kg°C, and the specific latent heat of fusion of ice is 3.34 x 10^5 J/kg. First, melt the ice: Q1 = mL = 2.0 kg * 3.34 x 10^5 J/kg = 6.68 x 10^5 J. Then, heat the water: Q2 = mcΔT = 2.0 kg * 4200 J/kg°C * (20°C - 0°C) = 1.68 x 10^5 J. Total energy = Q1 + Q2 = 6.68 x 10^5 J + 1.68 x 10^5 J = 8.36 x 10^5 J.
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Common mistakes
- 1Confusing heat and temperature. Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, whereas heat is the energy transferred between objects due to a temperature difference.
- 2Forgetting that temperature remains constant during a phase change. When a substance is melting or boiling, the energy being supplied (latent heat) is used to break intermolecular bonds rather than increasing the kinetic energy of the particles, so the temperature does not rise.
- 3Using the wrong formula for energy transfer. Use Q = mcΔT for a change in temperature and Q = mL for a change of state (phase change).
Thermal Physics exam questions
Exam-style questions for Thermal Physics with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel and OCR specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Thermal Physics
Core concept
Thermal physics deals with the concepts of temperature, heat, and internal energy. This topic introduces the idea of absolute temperature and the Kelvin scale. You will learn about specific heat capac…
Frequently asked questions
What is internal energy?
Internal energy is the sum of the random distribution of kinetic and potential energies of the particles (atoms or molecules) within a system. For an ideal gas, since there are no intermolecular forces, the internal energy is purely kinetic.
What is the difference between specific heat capacity and latent heat?
Specific heat capacity relates to the energy required to change the temperature of a substance without changing its state. Specific latent heat relates to the energy required to change the state of a substance without changing its temperature.