CPHY 121

THERMOD
YNAMICS
1
I N T R O D U C T I O N TO T H E
COURSE
Dr. Elicah N.Wabululu

HAPPY NEW 2022

 THERMODYNAMICS

1.What is Thermodynamics?

2. How does it fit into the general scheme of physics and

real life?
What is thermodynamics?
•The study of thermodynamics is concerned with ways energy is stored within a body and
how energy transformations, which involve heat and work, may take place.

•Approaches to studying thermodynamics

◦ Macroscopic (Classical thermodynamics)
◦ study large number of particles (molecules) that make up the substance in
question
◦ does not require knowledge of the behavior of individual molecules
◦ Microscopic (Statistical thermodynamics)
◦ concerned within behavior of individual particles (molecules)
◦ study average behavior of large groups of individual particles
 Why Study thermodynamics?

•Explain Thermodynamics and the different types of thermodynamics.

•Explain the difference between Heat and temperature.
•Understand different temperature measurement Techniques.
•Explain the effect of heat on matter
•Apply Thermal conductivity formulae.
•Discuss the methods of heat transfer.
•Discuss and apply gas laws.
•Explain the different types of Heat capacities and their measurements.
•Use the first law of Thermodynamics in solving day to day problems.
•Explain the different types of Thermal processes and work done due to
them.

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Applications of Thermodynamics

The human body

Air-conditioning Airplanes
systems

Car radiators Power plants Refrigeration systems

 How do we do it?

•video clips
•Chapter reading
•Write up connecting learning to real-life
experience
•Write on Moodle
•Practicals atleast Four

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Distribution of Marks for Distance/Online
Learning
Tasks Marks Date

Active Class and Moodle Participation 4 NA

Continuous Assessment Tests (minimum 2 CATs)7(21/3)*
Midterm Exam (comprehensive) 12 (24/2)
Practicals 5(20/5)
Reading Quizzes (minimum 2) 4 (12/3) Unannounced
Final Examination 60

Total Marks 100 %

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COURSE CONTENT
1. Introduction and Basic concepts
1.1 Definition
1.2 Types of thermodynamics
1.3 Properties
2. Temperature and Thermometry
2.1 Temperature
2.2 Types of thermometers
2.3 Thermodynamic temperature scale
2.3 Thermometry, fixed points
3. Heat and Energy. Kinetic theory of Gases (2 weeks)

3.1 Heat and temperature 4.1 Gas laws

3.2 Thermal equilibrium and the Zeroth law of thermodynamics - Boyles law

3.3 conservation of energy - Charles law

3.4 Heat capacities – Latent and Specific -Pressure law

3.5 Measurement of specific heat capacities 4.2 Ideal gas equation

3.6 Newtons law of cooling 4.3 Dalton’s law

3.7 Method of mixtures 4.4 work done by an ideal gas

. Mechanisms of heat transfer

5.1 Effect of heat on matter 6. Basic thermodynamics

– Coefficient of thermal expansion- thermal, linear, area and

6.1 Definition of terms in basic thermodynamics
volumetric thermal expansions.

5.2 Methods of heat transfer 6.2 equilibrium state

a) conduction – Thermal conductivity, Fourier’s law of

6.3 First law of thermodynamics
conductivity, U – values, Heat in series conductors

b) convection 6.4 Thermal processes - isothermal, isochoric and Adiabatic

c) Radiation – Plancks Quantum theory of Radiation,

6.5 Equation of state for adiabatic process
Black body radiation, Spectral distribution or

radiation,wiens displacement law, Stefan’s-Boltzmann 6.6 work done in thermal processes - isothermal, isochoric and

law of Radiation
Adiabatic
Thank you