Heat and Energy (F3116) : Physics and Astronomy : University of Sussex

in detail...

Key facts

Details for course being taught in current academic year
Level 0 - 6 credits - summer term

E-learning links

Study Direct: F3116 (09/10)

Resources

Timetable Link
course web pages

Course description

Course outline

1. Temperature: temperature scales; thermometers; thermodynamic temperature and absolute zero; ranges of temperatures; Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics.
2. Thermal Expansion: linear and volumetric expansion; solids and liquids; water.
3. Gas Laws: Boyles Law, Charless Law and Gay-Lussacs Law; equation of state and the ideal gas law.
4. Kinetic Theory of Gases: basic postulates; microscopic definition of temperature.
5. Thermal Energy: heat and temperature; quantity of heat; mechanical equivalent of heat; specific heat capacity.
6. Changes of State: melting and freezing; vaporisation and boiling; latent heat.
7. Transfer of Thermal Energy: radiation; convection; conduction.
8. Thermodynamics: basic concepts; First Law of Thermodynamics; conservation of energy; isothermal, isobaric, isometric and adiabatic processes; Second Law of Thermodynamics and the concept of entropy; heat engines and heat pumps; cyclic processes; analysis of thermal efficiency; the Carnot cycle and the concept of an ideal engine.

Pre-requisite

Some familiarity with quantitative subjects, in particular Science and/or Maths, to GCSE or A-level.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course a successful student should:

1. know and understand the ideal gas laws from the macroscopic and microscopic points of view, and solve simple quantitative problems

2. define and understand some of the basic concepts of thermodynamics, and solve simple problems using these concepts

Library

Cutnell & Johnson, 2004, Physics, Wiley, 6th ed.

You may also like to consult other books such as:

* Muncaster, A-Level Physics, Stanley Thornes, 3rd ed.

* Nelkon and Parker, 1995. Advanced Level Physics, Heinemann, 6th ed.

* Breithaupt J, 1999. Physics, Macmillan Foundations.

Assessments

View old exam papers

Type	Timing	Weighting
Coursework		20.00%
Problem Sets	Summer Week 3	equal weighting
Problem Sets	Summer Week 4	equal weighting
Problem Sets	Summer Week 5	equal weighting
Unseen Examination	Summer Term (1 hour)	80.00%

Resit mode of assessment

Type	Timing	Weighting
Unseen Examination	Summer Vacation (1 hour )	100.00%

Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

Teaching methods

Term	Method	Duration	Week pattern
Summer Term	LECTURE	1 hour	2222200000
Summer Term	CLASS	1 hour	0111110000
Summer Term	WORKSHOP	1 hour	0111110000

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Heat and Energy (F3116)