Computing Across the Physics Curriculum
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Thermal Physics
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These modules were designed/constructed based on the text:
Thermal Physics, by R. Baierlein.
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Temperature Conversion: Given a temperature in degrees Fahrenheit, there exists a corresponding temperature in Kelvin.
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Isothermal Curve: For gases that follow the ideal gas law, pressure is inversely related to volume on an isothermal curve.
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Adiabatic Curve: For a gas that follows the ideal gas law, pressure is inversely related to volume on an isothermal curve. For a gas that lies on an adiabatic curve, ie., where no heat is exchanged between the gas and the environment, the relation between pressure and volume is somewhat more complex.
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Isothermal Work: For a gas that follows the ideal gas law, pressure is inversely related to volume on an isothermal curve. The work done by the gas in going from an initial volume to a final volume is equivalent to the area under the curve on a P-V diagram, and can be computed using a Riemann sum. However, the closed form expression is simple enough that it can be calculated analytically for known values of n, T, and V.
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Adiabatic Work: For a gas that follows the ideal gas law, there is a relation between pressure, volume, and the adiabatic gas constant on an adiabatic curve. The work done by the gas in going from an initial volume to a final volume is the area under the adiabatic curve on a P-V diagram, and can be computed using a Riemann sum. However, the closed form expression is simple enough that it can be calculated analytically, for known values of n, T, and V, and γ.
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Carnot Engine: The Carnot engine has the highest theoretical efficiency of any engine operating between given hot and cold reservoir temperatures, making it a useful subject of study. Since it involves isothermal and adiabatic compressions and expansions, studying the Carnot engine also enables a better understanding of these processes.
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Heat Engine: Engines are a fundamental concept in any thermodynamics physics class. A good understanding of the transfer of heat and work is pivotal to the success of students in these courses.
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Blackbody Flux: The flux of a blackbody for a certain temperature and wavelength is given by the Planck function. This function can be found in statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, astrophysics, and elsewhere, hence a good understanding is vital.
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Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution: When quantum effects are negligible and a gas is in thermal equilibrium, the velocities of the particles are described by a Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution.
