It’s time for a hot topic! This is a huge branch of physics and in many ways is one of the most fundamental branches of science because it deals with energy flow. It even has a 0th law! Now that’s fundamental!

RESOURCES FOR THIS UNIT

• Lab – Behavior of Gases
• Lab – Analysis of P-V Diagrams
• Guided Notes
• Thermal Processes Graphic Organizer

Full teacher notes available by request via email to [email protected]
from an official educational institution email address.

HELPFUL WEBSITES

• PhET Gas Properties Simulation
• You’re not dummies, but this stuff is hard for a lot of people. The “For Dummies” crew broke the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics into simple terms, which may help you with the basic concepts.
  • First Law
  • Second Law
• Interested in cars? Here’s how what we’re doing relates to car engines, courtesy of How Stuff Works.

ANIMATIONS

• • Adiabatic Process in a Piston

• • Carnot Engine