Students will perform experiments and do computations to solve real life problems involving moles, pressure, volume and temperature of gases. This unit will be tied into students’ math and physics courses strengthening the use of physics by taking their equations from paper to solve problems they encounter in everyday life. The thermodynamics unit will help students recognize how physics, chemistry and math can be used to better understand the world around us.
This unit will cover the concepts of temperature (definition and what it represents, from the physical point of view), temperature scales (including explanations of how these scales were established), the basic concepts of kinetic molecular theory, mathematical equations and explanations of the ideal gas laws (including examples and applications). It will also cover basic considerations about heat engines, how do they work, with a focus on Stirling engines.
