Unit 3 · Thermal Physics and Waves
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Thermal Physics and Waves
Investigate thermal energy, heat transfer, the laws of thermodynamics, wave properties, sound, and the electromagnetic spectrum.
6 chapters7–9 hoursIntermediate
Essential Question
How does energy transfer through matter and space as heat and waves, and what limits the efficiency of energy conversion?
What You Will Learn
- 1Distinguish temperature, thermal energy, and heat; calculate heat transfer using Q = mcΔT.
- 2Analyze conduction, convection, and radiation as modes of heat transfer.
- 3Apply the first and second laws of thermodynamics to heat engines and entropy.
- 4Describe wave properties and calculate wave speed using v = fλ.
- 5Analyze the Doppler effect, resonance, and sound intensity in decibels.
- 6Identify regions of the electromagnetic spectrum and properties of light.
Why It Matters
Thermal physics explains how engines work and why perpetual motion is impossible. Wave physics underlies every form of communication — from the sound of a voice to the light in a fiber-optic cable. Together they form the backbone of modern technology.