Unit 3

Thermal Physics and Waves

Investigate thermal energy, heat transfer, the laws of thermodynamics, wave properties, sound, and the electromagnetic spectrum.

Unit 3 · 20 pages

Chapters

00Cover

Cover

Unit overview, learning objectives, and vocabulary for Unit 3.

Temperature and Thermal Energy

Distinguish temperature from thermal energy; convert between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin; apply Q = mcΔT.

Heat Transfer: Conduction, Convection, Radiation

Analyze the three modes of heat transfer and apply thermal conductivity and Stefan-Boltzmann law to real problems.

Laws of Thermodynamics

State and apply the zeroth, first, and second laws of thermodynamics to analyze energy conservation and entropy.

Thermal Processes and Heat Engines

Analyze isothermal, adiabatic, isobaric, and isochoric processes; calculate heat engine efficiency using the Carnot cycle.

Entropy

Define entropy as a measure of disorder; apply the second law to predict the direction of spontaneous processes.

Wave Properties and Types

Identify transverse and longitudinal waves; calculate wave speed, frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and period.

Wave Behavior: Reflection and Refraction

Analyze reflection, refraction, diffraction, and the principle of superposition for mechanical waves.

Superposition and Interference

Apply the superposition principle to analyze constructive and destructive interference and standing waves.

Sound Waves and Speed of Sound

Describe sound as a longitudinal pressure wave; calculate the speed of sound in different media and sound intensity in decibels.

Doppler Effect and Resonance

Apply the Doppler effect to moving sources and observers; analyze resonance in open and closed air columns and strings.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Identify the regions of the electromagnetic spectrum from radio waves to gamma rays and describe their properties and applications.

Properties of Light

Analyze the speed, reflection, refraction, and dispersion of light; apply the index of refraction and Snell's law.

Polarization and Intensity

Explain polarization of light by filters and reflection; apply Malus's law and the inverse-square law for intensity.

Unit Review

Consolidate your understanding of thermal energy, thermodynamics, wave motion, sound, and electromagnetic waves with mixed problems and a student self-check.

Thermal Energy and Heat

Distinguish thermal energy, temperature, and heat; calculate heat transfer using specific heat capacity; analyze conduction, convection, and radiation.

Introduction to Thermodynamics

Apply the zeroth, first, and second laws of thermodynamics to analyze heat engines, entropy, and energy efficiency.

Wave Motion

Describe wave properties, calculate wave speed, and analyze reflection, refraction, diffraction, and superposition of mechanical waves.

Sound Waves

Analyze sound as a longitudinal wave: calculate intensity and decibels, apply the Doppler effect, and analyze resonance in strings and air columns.

Light and Electromagnetic Waves

Explore the electromagnetic spectrum, the speed of light, polarization, and the properties of light as a transverse electromagnetic wave.

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