What are main formulas to know when dealing with thermal physics?
Thermal physics is everything from ice melting in your glass of water to nuclear reactors. There is no way anyone can answer so general a question.
When dealing with thermal physics, there are several key formulas that you should be familiar with. These formulas are derived from the laws of thermodynamics and are essential for solving problems related to heat transfer, work, and temperature.
1. Eq: Q = mcΔT
This equation is known as the heat transfer formula or the heat energy formula. It relates the amount of heat transferred (Q) to the mass of the substance (m), its specific heat capacity (c), and the change in temperature (ΔT). This formula is used to calculate the amount of heat gained or lost by a substance.
2. Eq: Q = mL
This formula calculates the amount of heat transfer (Q) when a substance undergoes a phase change, such as melting or boiling. Here, m represents the mass of the substance, and L is the specific latent heat of the substance.
3. Eq: W = PΔV
This is the formula for work done in a thermodynamic system. It relates the work done (W) to the pressure (P) and the change in volume (ΔV) of the system. This formula is applicable in situations where the volume of a gas changes due to compression or expansion.
4. Eq: PV = nRT
This equation is known as the ideal gas law, where P is the pressure, V is the volume, n is the number of moles of gas, R is the ideal gas constant, and T is the temperature in Kelvin. The ideal gas law allows you to relate the pressure, volume, temperature, and number of moles of a gas.
5. Eq: ΔS = Qrev/T
This formula is used to calculate the change in entropy (ΔS) of a system undergoing a reversible process. It relates the amount of heat transferred (Qrev) to the temperature (T). The change in entropy can tell you whether a process is reversible or irreversible and provides information about the direction of the process.
These formulas represent some of the fundamental relationships in thermal physics. Understanding and applying them will help you analyze and solve problems related to heat, work, and temperature in thermodynamic systems.