Heat Notes A Level
Heat Notes A Level
1. Conduction
Conduction is the process of heat transfer through a substance from a region of high
temperature to a region of low temperature without bulk movement of the medium; mainly
by collision between atoms that vibrate about equilibrium positions
Mechanism of conduction
When one end of a poor conductor is heated, the atoms at the hot end vibrate with
increased amplitude, collide with neighbouring atoms and lose energy to them. The
neighbouring atoms also vibrate with increased amplitude, collide with adjacent atoms
and lose energy to them. In this way, heat is transferred from one end to another.
Example 1
Explain how heat is conducted through a glass rod (3 marks)
Glass is a poor conductor therefore describe the mechanism of heat transfer in bad
conductor.
(b) Good conductor
In good conductors heat is transferred from hot region to cold region by two
mechanisms
(i) Good conductors contain free electron. When heated, the electrons at hot end
gain more energy, move and transfer the energy to cold region by collision with
atoms in solid lattice and other electrons.
(ii) When one end of a good conductor is heated, the atoms at the hot end vibrate
with increased amplitude, collide with neighbouring atoms and lose energy to
them. The neighbouring atoms also vibrate with increased amplitude, collide
with adjacent atoms and lose energy to them. In this way, heat is transferred
from one end to another.
Because of the additional method of heat transfer by electrons, metals a better
conductor of heat than insulators
Example 1
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Explain the mechanism of heat transfer in metals (03marks)
Example 3
The question required description of conduction in both bad and good conductors
2. Convections
Convection is a process of heat transfer in fluids from a region of high temperature to a
region of low temperature, due to movement of the medium.
Example 4
(i) What is convection?
(ii) Explain how convection
3. Radiation is a means of heat transfer through a vacuum or that does not involve a medium
Temperature
The extent to which the body feels hot depends on the; average kinetic energy of the individual
atoms or molecules with in that body. This means that the body’s kinetic energy is directly
proportional to its thermal dynamic temperature.
Example 5
Ok is when molecules of a substance slow down and attain their minimum total energy
Thermometry
This involves the study of thermometers as instruments used to measure temperature on the basis
of certain physical thermometric properties which change with temperature and remains constant at
constant temperature.
A thermometric property is a physical quantity which varies continuously, uniformly and linearly
with temperature and remains constant at constant temperature.
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Scales of temperature.
These are scales in which the measure of hotness or coldness of a body can be expressed .i.e. the
measure of hotness or coldness of a particular body can be expressed in;
Convrsion os scales
Related concepts
(i) Fixed point is defined as constant temperature at which a physical state of pure water is
expected to change at 760mmHg. Fixed points are basically two i.e. 00C and 1000C.
(ii) Lower fixed point (T0) is the temperature of pure melting ice at 760 mmHg. It is 00C.
(iii) Upper fixed point (T100) is the temperature of pure steam at 760mmHg. It is 1000 C.
(iv) Triple point (Ttr) is the temperature at which pure water pure steam and pure ice co – exist
in equilibrium at 760mmHg. It is 0.160 C or 273.16K.
(v) Fundamental interval is the range of the thermometer readings at the two fixed points e.g.
for thermometers which give direct readings of temperature = 1000 C.
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Establishing scales of temperature
On this scale of temperature is measured in “Kelvin” or K and makes use of triple point only.
If Xtr is the value of a thermometric property at the triple point and XT is the value of thermometric
𝑋𝑇
property at temperature, T = ( 𝑥 273.16) 𝐾
𝑋𝑡𝑟
Where
Example 6
The pressure recorded by a constant volume gas thermometer at temperature T is 4.8 x 104Nm-2.
Find T if the pressure at the triple point of water is 4.2 x 104Nm-2.
Solution
𝑃𝑇
T=( 𝑥 273.16) 𝐾
𝑃𝑡𝑟
4.8 𝑥 104
T=( 𝑥 273.16) 𝐾 312.2K
4.2 𝑥 104
This is the temperature of an ideal gas which corresponds to its zero volume or zero pressure it
exerts on the walls of the container in which it is trapped. This value approximates to the triple point
of pure water i.e. - 2730C or 0K.
When a gas is cooled, its molecules loose kinetic energy continuously since it depends directly on
temperature. As molecules loose kinetic energy they move closer into close proximity until when
they cease to have kinetic energy. At this point the gas is said to occupy a negligible volume and its
temperature at this point is called the absolute zero temperature and the pressure the gas exerts on
the walls of the container occupied is negligible.
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Estimating absolute zero temperature
Absolute zero temperature is determined by extrapolating the graph until when it touches the
temperature axis and is found to be -2730C or 0K.
Types of thermometers
1. Liquid in glass thermometer
Depends on expansion of the liquid
Advantages of liquid-in-glass thermometer.
The thermometer is simple, cheap and portable.
The thermometer can be calibrated to give direct readings e.g. clinical thermometer
Mercury
Advantages
- withstands high temperature without change of state
- does not wet glass
- expands uniformly
Disadvantage
- it is expensive
- it is poisonous
Alcohol
Advantage
- Measures low temperatures because of its low freezing point
- Cheap
Disadvantages
- does not measure high temperature above 780C.
- wets glass
- Water is not used because it has irregular expansion
- Cannot measure temperatures below 00Cor above 1000C
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
2. Constant volume gas thermometer
Limitations
- The temperature of the gas in the dead space is different from that of the gas in the
bulb
- Thermal expansion of the bulb may lead to change in volume
- Capillary effect on the mercury surface.
Correction
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Example 7
Value of property
Pressure in mmHg Ice point Steam point Room temperature
760 1040 795
(a) Using the above data, calculate the room temperature on the scale of the constant
volume gas thermometer.
𝑃𝜃 − 𝑃0 795− 760
θ=( ) 𝑥 1000 𝐶 = ( ) 𝑥 1000 𝐶 = 12.50C
𝑃100 − 𝑃ℎ0 1040− 760
(b) Explain why a gas thermometer is seldom used for temperature measurements in a
laboratory.
Requires the disadvantages of the thermometer
3. Resistance thermometer
- Place the resistance thermometer in a funnel with crushed ice and leave it for some
time.
- Close the switch and obtain a balance point by adjusting the resistance box,
𝑙
- Determine the resistance R0 at 00C from 𝑅0 = ( 1 ) 𝑅
𝑙2
- Transfer the resistance thermometer a beaker containing boiling water and after
some time, determine resistance R100.
- Place the resistance thermometer in water at room temperature and determine
resistance Rθ.
𝑅𝜃 − 𝑅0
- Temperature of the room temperature, θ = ( ) 𝑥 1000 𝐶
𝑅100 − 𝑅0
Advantages
- It is accurate
- Has fairly wide range of temperature
Disadvantages
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Example 8
4. Thermocouples
It consists of different metals such as copper and iron joined in a circuit and their junctions
kept at different temperatures. This causes a small current to be produced
Mode of action
- The cold junction is put in water at 00C and e.m.f, E0 is determined.
- The other junction is put at a point whose temperature is required
- As a result of difference in temperature, a thermal e.m.f and causes a deflection of the
galvanometer, Eθ.
- The hot junction is placed at steam point and e.m.f, E100 is determined
𝐸𝜃 − 𝐸0
Then θ0C = ( ) 𝑥 1000 𝐶
𝐸100 − 𝐸0
Advantages of a thermocouple
Disadvantages of a thermocouple
- Not accurate
- Two values of temperature θ1 and θ2 may correspond to one e.m.f
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
5. Pyrometers
A pyrometer is a thermometer used to measure very high temperatures by using the radiation
that the body emits and wavelength of the radiation as the thermometric property.
Optical pyrometer
- the filament is focused on the eye piece and the objective focuses the object so that
the image of the object lies in the same plane as the filament
- Light from the hot object and the filament is passed through the red filter and
viewed by the eyepiece.
- Current is adjusted by the rheostat R until the filament and the object are equally
bright.
- The temperature of the hot body is then read from the calibrated ammeter, A.
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Calorimetry
Thermal equilibrium
This is a state of the body in which there is no net flow or exchange of heat within it or between
it and its surroundings.
It states that if two bodies are each in thermal equilibrium with a third body, then all the three
bodies are in thermal equilibrium with each other.
ΔQ = ΔU + ΔW
Where
ΔU is the rise in internal energy, the rise in internal energy is indicated by the rise in temperature
ΔW is the external work done by the system such as expansion against atmospheric pressure.
Heat capacity
This is the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of the body by 10C or 1K.
It follows that if the temperature of a body whose heat capacity C rises by Δθ when the amount
of heat ΔQ is added to it
This is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1kg mass of a substance through
10C or 1K.
It follows that if the temperature of a body of mass m and s.h.c, c rises by Δθ when an amount of
heat ΔQ is added it, then
C = cm
This is the heat required to raise the temperature of 1 mole of a substance by 1Kor 10C.
Units: Jmol-1K-1
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
- Two holes are drilled into the specimen solid of mass m.
- A thermometer is inserted in one of the holes and an electric heater into the other hole.
The holes are then filled with a good conducting fluid, e.g. oil to ensure thermal contact.
- The apparatus is insulated and initial temperature θ0 is recorded.
- The heater is switched on at the same time a stop clock is started.
- The steady values of ammeter reading, I and voltmeter reading, V are recorded.
- After considerable temperature rise, the heater is switched off and stop clock stopped.
- The highest temperature θ1 recorded and time t taken noted.
- Assuming negligible heat loss, the specific heat capacity, c, of the conducting solid is
calculated from
𝐼𝑉𝑡
c=
𝑚(𝜃1 − 𝜃0 )
Precautions
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
- The liquid is stirred as it is heated, and after sometime, t of heating, the current is
switched off and final temperature θ2 noted.
- Assuming no heat loss; heat supplied by the heater = heat received by water and
calorimeter
i.e. IVt = (mc + C)(θ2 – θ1), where c is the specific heat capacity of a liquid.
Example 9
Calculate the
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
36.5 = 1.5 x 10-3 x c x 1.5 + h ………… (ii)
Subtracting (ii) from (i)
24 = 3 x x 10-3 x c x 1.5
c = 5,333Jkg
(ii) Rate of heat loss to the surroundings (03marks)
Substituting c in (i)
60.5 = 4.5 x 10-3 x 5333 x 1.5 + h
h = 24.5W
(d) Measurement of specific heat capacity of a solid by the method of mixtures
- A solid on mass ms kg and specific heat capacity, cs, is heated in boiling water at temperature
at temperature θ10C and quickly transferred to a calorimeter of heat capacity, C, containing
water of mass, m1 and , at the temperature θ2.
- The final constant temperature θ3 of the mixture is determined.
Assuming there is no heat loss
Heat lost by the solid = heat gained by calorimeter + heat gained by water
ms x cs x (𝜃1 – θ3) = (C + 𝑐𝑤 m1)(θ3 – θ2)
(𝐶+ 𝑐𝑤 𝑚1 )(𝜃3 − 𝜃2 )
cs = where cw is specific heat capacity of water
𝑚𝑠 𝑐𝑠
Precautions
- The calorimeter must be heavily lagged.
- A solid on mass ms kg and specific heat capacity, cs, is heated in boiling water at temperature
at temperature θ10C and quickly transferred to a calorimeter of heat capacity, C, containing a
liquid of mass, m1 and , at the temperature θ2.
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
- The final constant temperature θ3 of the mixture is determined.
Assuming there is no heat loss
Heat lost by the solid = heat gained by calorimeter + heat gained by water
Precautions
- The calorimeter must be heavily lagged.
Example 10
Apiece of copper of mass 100g is heated to 1000C and then transferred to a well-lagged copper can
of mass 50g containing 200g of water at 100C. Neglecting heat loss, calculate the final steady
temperature of the of the mixture.
[Specific heat capacity of copper and water are 400Jkg-1K-1 and 4200Jkg-1K-1)
Solution
Heat lost by the copper mass = heat gained by the copper can + heat gained by water
θ = 14.00C
Example 11
(i) State two advantages of the continuous flow method over the method of mixtures. (01mark)
- No cooling correction is required
- Heat capacity of the apparatus is not requires
- Temperature measured at leisure when steady
- Resistance of the heater not required
Newton’s law of cooling states that under forced convection, the rate of loss of heat of a body is
directly proportional to its excess temperature over that of the surrounding.
𝑑𝑄
i.e. ∝ (𝜃 − 𝜃𝑅 )
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑄
where is the rate of heat loss, θ = body’s temperature, θR = temperature of the surroundings.
𝑑𝑡
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
- Surface area of the body and,
- Nature of the surface, i.e. whether dull or shiny
NB. A small body cools faster than a big body because a small body has a larger surface area to
volume ration.
- Hot water is placed in a calorimeter that is standing on an insulating surface and is put in a
draught.
- The temperature, θ, of the water is recorded at suitable intervals.
- The room temperature θR is recorded.
- Plot a graph of temperature against time to get a graph similar to the one below.
- Draw tangent at various temperatures, θ and obtain their slopes. These slopes give the rate of
temperature fall.
- Plot these slopes with corresponding excess temperatures (θ – θR)
- A straight line graph is obtained implying that the rate of heat loss is proportional to excess
temperature.
Example 12
Describe an experiment to verify Newton’s law of cooling. (05marks)
Cooling correction
Despite all precautions to prevent heat losses in experiments of the mixtures, still there will be
some significant heat loss that will prevent the mixture to attain maximum temperature rise. An
estimate has to be made of the temperature that would have been attained if these heat losses
were not there. The small temperature added to the observed maximum temperature to make
up for the heat lost to the surrounding during the experiment is called cooling correction.
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Experiment to determined cooling correction
- Pour a liquid in a calorimeter and place it on a table
- Place a thermometer into the liquid and after sometime, record the temperature of the
surroundings, θ0.
- Gently place a hot solid into the liquid and stir.
- Record the temperature of the mixture at suitable interval until the temperature of the
mixture has fallen by about 10C below the observed maximum temperature, θ1.
- Plot a graph of temperature against time
- The broken line shows how we would expect the temperature to rise if no heat were lost
and the difference, P, between the plateau of this imaginary curve, and the crest of the
experimental curve, E. is known as the 'cooling correction’
- Draw a line AC through θ0 parallel to the time axis.
- Draw a line BE through θ1 parallel to the temperature axis.
- Draw a line CD beyond BE parallel to the temperature axis and note Δθ
- Estimate the area A1 and A2 under the graph by counting the square on the graph paper
- Cooling correction, P s given by the graph
𝐴1
Cooling correction, P = 𝑥 𝛥𝜃 0C
𝐴2
Example 13
This is the extra temperature difference to be added to the observed maximum temperature of
the mixture to make up for the heat lost to the surrounding during the experiment.
(ii) Explain how the cooling correction may be estimated in the determination of the heat capacity
of poor by the method of mixtures (05marks)
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Latent heat
Definition
This is the quantity of heat absorbed or released when a substance changes physical state at
constant temperature. E.g. during melting, evaporation, sublimation, condensing, solidification
Example 14
Supply of heat to a melting solid reduces the forces of attraction between the molecules and
increases the separation between them. This increases the potential energy (P.E) between the
molecules while keeping kinetic energy (K.E) of the molecules the same. Further increase in
separation between the molecules causes the regular pattern to collapse as the solid changes to
liquid. Until this process is complete, the temperature does not change.
Example 15
Explain the changes that take place in the molecular structure of substances during fusion and
evaporation (04marks)
Heat supplied during fusion breaks down the forces that keep ordered pattern of molecules is solid
crystalline structure to form a liquid. The potential energy of the molecules increase but the average
kinetic energy and temperature of the molecules remain unchanged.
Heat supplied during evaporation breaks molecular bonds in liquids and allow gas molecules to
expand against atmospheric pressure which allows then to move independently.
Example 16
Explain why the specific latent heat of evaporation is always greater than specific latent heat of
fusion of a substance at the same pressure are different. (04marks)
Change from solid to liquid, intermolecular bonds are weakened and there is a small increase in
volume. This implies there negligible change in volume and thus little work done against
atmospheric pressure.
During vaporization, a lot of heat is required to break molecular bonds in a liquid and to enable
expansion to larger volume of a gas against atmospheric pressure.
Experiment to determine the specific latent heat of fusion by the method of mixtures
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Calculation
Mass of ice = (m – (m1 + mc) = m3kg
Heat lost by water and calorimeter = heat gained by ice to melt and again temperature to θ2.
Suppose c and lf are the specific heat capacity and latent heat of fusion of water, then
The experiment is repeated for different values of V’, I’ and m’ in the same time
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Specific latent heat of vaporization
Specific latent het of vaporization is the amount of heat required to change 1kg mass of a substance
from liquid to vapour without change of temperature. Units are Jkg-1
Experiment to determine the specific latent heat of vaporization of water by electrical method
- Put the liquid whose specific latent heat of vaporization is required in a vacuum
jacketed vessel as shown above.
- The liquid is heated to boiling point.
- The current, I, and voltage, V are recorded.
- The mass of condensed water, m, condensed in time, t, is determined.
𝑚
- Then IV = 𝐿 + ℎ,
𝑡
where h is the rate of heat loss to the surroundings
- To eliminate, h, the experiment is repeated for different values of I’ and V’ and the
mass of the condensed water, m’ condensed in tie t is determined.
𝑚′
- Again I’V’ = 𝐿 + ℎ
𝑡
(𝐼 ′ 𝑉 ′ −𝐼𝑉)𝑡
Latent heat of vaporization, L = (𝑚′ −𝑚)
Example 17
An appliance rated 240V, 200W evaporates 20g of water in 5 minutes. Find the heat loss if
specific latent heat of vaporization is 2.26 x 106Jkg-1. (03marks)
h = 14800J
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
An experiment to determine the specific latent heat of vaporization of water by
the method of the mixtures
- The initial temperature θ0 and mass, m of water in the calorimeter are measured
- Steam from boiling water is passed into water in a calorimeter and after a
reasonable temperature rise, flow of steam is stopped and final temperature, θf is
recorded.
- Mass m2 of water in the calorimeter is then taken
- The mass of steam condensed, ms = (m2- m)
Given that the heat capacity of the calorimeter= C
Heat gained by steam = heat gained by water and calorimeter
mscv + msc(100- θf) = (m2 – m)c(θf – θ0) + C(θf – θ0)
cv = specific latent heat of vaporization
c= specific heat capacity of water
Example 18
When a liquid evaporate molecules with high kinetic energy escape leaving molecules with
low kinetic energy. Since temperature of the liquid depends on the average kinetic energy of
its molecules, the temperature drops.
Example 19
Explain the effect of pressure on the boiling point of a liquid. (02marks)
- Since a liquid boils when its saturated vapour pressure is equal to external pressure.
- Increasing the external pressure increases the boiling point of a liquid because the liquid
has to be heated to a higher temperature to make its saturated vapour pressure equal to
external pressure
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Gas laws and heat capacity
Gases
Definition
A gas is a term applied to a substance which is in the gaseous phase above its critical temperature.
A critical temperature is a temperature above which a gas cannot be liquefied no matter how great
the pressure is.
Gas laws
In general. When the pressure and volume of a gas change from P1 and V1to P2 and V2
respectively at constant temperature, then P1V1 =P2V2.
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
- A plot of P against 1/V gives a straight line through the origin which verifies Boyle’s
law.
In general when the volume and temperature of a gas change from V1 and T1 to V2 and T2
𝑉1 𝑉2
respectively at constant pressure, then, =
𝑇1 𝑇2
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
(c) Pressure law
It states that the pressure of a fixed mass of a gas is proportional to temperature provided
𝑃1 𝑃2
the volume is constant. i.e. , =
𝑇1 𝑇2
Or
PV = kT
Example 20
A gas cylinder has volume of 0.040m3 and contains air at pressure of 2.0MPa. Assuming that the
temperature remain constant, calculate
(b) The volume of air, at atmospheric pressure, which escapes from the cylinder when it is
opened to atmosphere.
0.8 -0.04 = 0.76m3
i.e. air escapes from the cylinder until it contains 0.04m3 of air at atmospheric pressure
Example 21
Two cylinders A and B of volumes V and 3V respectively are separately filled with a
gas. The cylinders are connected as shown above with the tap closed. The pressures of
A and B are P and 4P respectively. When the tap is opened the common pressure
becomes 60Pa. Assuming isothermal conditions find the value of P. (04marks)
Solution
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
From PV = nRT
𝑃𝑉
Moles n1 of the gas in A before mixing=
𝑅𝑇
4𝑃 𝑥 3𝑉 12𝑃𝑉
Moles n2 of the gas in B before mixing = =
𝑅𝑇 𝑅𝑇
60 𝑥 4𝑉
Moles n3 of the gas when tap is opened =
𝑅𝑇
But moles of the gas before mixing = mole of the gas after mixing
n1 + n2 =n3
𝑃𝑉 12𝑃𝑉 60 𝑥 4𝑉
+ =
𝑅𝑇 𝑅𝑇 𝑅𝑇
13𝑃 = 240
P = 18.46Pa
Suppose the gas expands by dv so that the piston moves out through a small distance dx.
Example 22
When 1.5kg of water is converted to steam at (1000C) at standard pressure (1.01 x 105Nm-2) 3.39MJ
of heat is required. During the transformation from liquid to vapour, the increase in volume of water
is 2.5m3.
(i) Calculate the work done against the external pressure during the process of
evaporation.
From ΔW = P(V2 – V1)
External work done = 1.01 x 105 x 2.5 = 2.53 x 105J
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Molar Heat capacities
Definition
Molar heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one
mole of it by 1K. It is expressed in Jmol-1K-1.
Molar heat capacity at constant volume of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the
temperature of one mole of it by 1K at constant volume. It is expressed in Jmol-1K-1.
Molar heat capacity at constant pressure of a substance is the amount of heat required to raise the
temperature of one mole of it by 1K at constant pressure. It is expressed in Jmol-1K-1.
The relationship between the principal molar heat capacities Cp and Cv for an deal gas.
Example 23
The temperature of 1mole of helium gas at a pressure of 1.0 x 105Pa increases from 200C to 1000C
when the gas is compressed adiabatically.
𝑐𝑝
Find the final pressure of the gas. (Take ⁄𝑐𝑣 =γ =1.67) (04 marks)
𝛾 𝛾
𝑃1 𝑉1 = 𝑃2 𝑉2
𝛾 𝛾
𝑛𝑅𝑇 𝑃1 𝑇1 𝑃2 𝑇2
𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑉 = => =
𝑃 𝑃1 𝑃2
𝛾 𝛾
𝑇1 𝑇2
=> 𝛾−1 = 𝛾−1
𝑃1 𝑃2
(293)1.67 (373)1.67
=
(1.0 𝑥 105 )0.67 (𝑃)0.67
5
𝑃 = 1.87 𝑥 10 𝑃𝑎
Example 24
Nitrogen gas is trapped in a container by a movable piston. If the temperature of the gas is raised
from 00C to 500C at constant pressure of 4.0 x 105Pa and the total heat added is 3.0 x 104J, calculate
the work done by the gas. [The molar heat capacity of nitrogen at constant pressure is 29.1Jmol-1K-1,
Cp/Cv= 1.4]
ΔQ = ΔU + Δw ……………………. (i)
𝐶𝑝 29.1
Cv = = = 20.79Jmol-1
1.4 1.4
ΔQ = nCpΔT
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
𝛥𝑄 3 𝑥 104
n= = = 20.62
𝐶𝑝 𝛥𝑇 29.1 𝑥 50
From equation (i)
3 x 104 = 20.62 x 20.79 (50-0) + Δw
Δw = 8.57 x 103J
Example 25
Ten moles of a gas, initially at 270C are heated at constant pressure of 1.01 x 105Pa and volume
increased from 0.25m3 to 0.375m3. Calculate the increase in internal energy.
[Assume Cp = 28.5Jmol-1K-1] (06marks)
T1 = 270C = 300K
𝑉1 𝑉2
Using =
𝑇1 𝑇2
0.250 0.375
= ; T2 = 450K
300 𝑇2
𝛥𝑇 = 450 − 300 = 150𝐾
ΔQ = ΔU + Δw
𝑛𝐶𝑝 𝛥𝑇 = 𝑛𝐶𝑣 𝛥𝑇 + 𝑛𝑅𝛥𝑇
𝑛𝐶𝑣 𝛥𝑇 = 𝑛𝐶𝑝 𝛥𝑇 − 𝑛𝑅𝛥𝑇
= 10 x 28.5 x 150 – 10 x 8.31 x 150
= 3.03 x 104J
Example 26
An ideal gas at 180C is compressed adiabatically until the volume is halved. Calculate the final
temperature of the gas. [Assume specific heat capacities of the gas at constant pressure and volume
are 2100Jkg-1K-1 and 1500Jkg-1K-1] respectively. (04marks)
𝛾−1 𝛾−1
𝑇1 𝑉1 = 𝑇2 𝑉2
2100
𝛾= = 1.40
1500
𝑉 1.4−1
291(𝑉)1.4−1 = 𝑇2 ( )
2
T2 = 384K
Dalton’s Law
Dalton’s law states that the total pressure of a mixture of gases which do not interact chemically is
equal to the sum of partial pressures of the individual gases.
Definition
Partial pressure is the pressure of an individual gas in a mixture or partial pressure of a gas in a
mixture is the pressure which it would exert if it were allowed to occupy the volume of the mixture
at the same temperature as the mixture
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
which it exerts on the wall is equal to the rate of change of its momentum. The average force
exerted by the gas on the whole of its container is the average rate at which the momentum of
its molecules is changed by collision with the walls.
Calculation of pressure
To find the pressure of the gas we must find this force, and then divide it by the area of the walls.
Assumptions
2𝑙
Time, t, between collision =
𝑢
2𝑙 𝑚𝑢2
𝐹1 = 2𝑚𝑢 ÷ =
𝑢 𝑙
𝑁𝑚𝑢2̅ 𝑁𝑚
∴𝑃= = 𝜌𝑢2̅ ; 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝜌 =
𝑙3 𝑙3
Definition
Mean square speed is the average square speed of the gas molecules at a particular temperature, T
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Root-mean-square speed, √𝑐 2̅ is the square root of mean of square velocities of gas molecules.
1
Since 𝑃 = 𝜌𝑐 2̅
3
√𝑐 2̅ = √3𝑃 ms-1
𝜌
𝑁𝑚
From PV = nRT and ρ =
𝑉
𝑁
P= 𝑚𝑐 2̅
3𝑉
𝑁
PV = 𝑚𝑐 2̅
3
𝑁
𝑚𝑐 2̅ = 𝑅𝑇
3
Also
𝑁 2𝑁 1
RT = 𝑚𝑐 2̅ = ( 𝑚𝑐 2̅ )
3 3 2
1 3𝑅
𝑚𝑐 2̅ = 𝑇
2 2𝑁
3
= 𝑘𝑇
2
𝑅
Where k = is Boltzmann's constant numerically equal to 1.38 x 10-2JK-1.
𝑁
Therefore, the average kinetic energy of translation of the random motion of the molecule of a gas is
proportion to the kinetic energy.
Example 27
If the mass of 1mole of hydrogen is 2.0g and this occupies a volume of 0.022m3 at 273K and
pressure of 105Nm-2. Calculate the r.m.s speed of hydrogen at 546K.
1
𝑃 = 𝜌𝑐 2̅
3
𝑀 2 𝑥 10−3
ρ= = = 0.0909kgm-3
𝑉 0.022
5
√𝑐 2̅ = √3𝑃 = √3 𝑥 10 = 1.8167 x 103ms-1
𝜌 0.0909
𝑐 2̅ 𝑇
√ = √
𝑐12̅ 𝑇 1
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Example 28
1 ̅
Derive the expression P = 𝜌𝑐2 for the pressure, P, of an ideal gas of density ρ and mean square
3
̅
speed, 𝑐2 . State any assumptions made (07marks)
Example 29
1
Derivation of Dalton’s law from kinetic theory expression, p = 𝜌𝑐 2̅ , where ρ is the pressure of a gas
3
of density ρ and mean square speed c2
1 𝑚 2 2 1
P= 𝑁 𝑐̅ = 𝑁 ( 𝑚𝑐 2̅ )
3 𝑉 3 2
2 1
For gas 1, P1V1 = 𝑁1 ( 𝑚1 𝑐12̅ )
3 2
3 1
=> 𝑁1 = 𝑃1 𝑉1 .
2 𝐾1
Similarly for gas 2
3 1
𝑁2 = 𝑃𝑉.
2 2 2 𝐾2
3 1
For a mixture of gases, N = 𝑃𝑉. ; but N = N1 + N2
2 𝐾
3 1 3 1 3 1
𝑃𝑉. = 𝑃1 𝑉1 . + 𝑃𝑉.
2 𝐾 2 𝐾1 2 2 2 𝐾2
Since temperature is constant, K1 = K2 = K
- PV = P1V1 + P2V2
- But V = V1 = V2
- ∴ 𝑃 = 𝑃1 + 𝑃2
Example 30
Explain why the pressure of a fixed mass of a gas rises if its temperature is increased. (02marks)
When the temperature of a fixed mass of a gas is increased, at constant volume, the velocities and
kinetic energy of molecules is increased. They bombard the walls of the container more frequently
with increased force. This increases pressure since pressure is proportional to force.
Example 31
(i) A gas fills any container in which is it placed and exerts pressure on its walls. (03marks)
A gas contains molecules with negligible intermolecular forces and free to move in all directions. As
they move, they collide with each other and with the walls of the container. The unrestricted
movements make them to fill the available space and collisions with the walls contributes to the
pressure exerted on the wall.
(ii) The pressure of a fixed mass of a gas rises when temperature is increased at constant volume. (02
marks)
When the temperature of a gas increases, the kinetic energy of the gas molecules increases. This
increases the frequency and force of collision against the wall leading to increase in pressure.
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Example 32
Explain why the pressure of a fixed mass of a gas in a closed container increases when the
temperature of the container is raised. (02marks)
When the temperature of the container increases, the average velocity of the molecules increases.
So the number and force of collisions with the walls of the container per second increases.
Consequently the momentum change per second increases as they bombard the walls. This leads to
increase in the impulsive force exerted on the walls causing increase in pressure
Graham’s law
States that the rate of diffusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its density.
1 3
From 𝑚𝑐 2̅ = 𝑘𝑇 where k is a universal constant
2 2
At the same Kelvin temperature T, the mean kinetic energies of the molecules of different gases are
equal.
1 ̅
2 1 ̅
2
𝑚1 𝑐1 = 𝑚2 𝑐2
2 2
𝑐12̅ 𝑚2
=
𝑐22̅ 𝑚1
At a given temperature and pressure, the density of a gas, ρ, is proportional to the mass of its
molecule, m, since equal volumes contain equal number of molecules
𝑚1 𝜌2
Therefore =
𝑚2 𝜌1
𝑐12̅ 𝜌2
Then =
𝑐22̅ 𝜌1
√𝒄𝟐𝟏̅
√𝝆 𝟐
Hence, =
√𝒄𝟐𝟐̅ √𝝆 𝟏
The equation
(i) shows that the average molecular speeds are inversely proportional to the square roots
of the densities of the gases.
(ii) explains why the rates of diffusion-which depend on the molecular speeds-are also
inversely proportional to the square roots of the densities.
Real gases
As opposed to ideal gases, in real gas;
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
The volume of the molecules may not be negligible in relation to the volume V occupied by the
gas.
The attractive forces between the molecules may not be negligible.
To account for molecular volume and intermolecular forces J.H. Vander Waal proposed the following
equation
𝑎
(P+ 2 )(V-b) =RT
𝑉
b, called the co-volume accounts for the finite volume of molecules themselves
NB: (i) A real gas obeys ideal gas equation above the critical temperature
(i) Ideal gases obey Boyle’s law while real gases do not.
(ii) The volume of the molecules of ideal gases are negligible compared to the container while for
the real gases the volume is not negligible.
(iii) Ideal gases have negligible intermolecular forces while the intermolecular forces of real gases
are not negligible
(iv) The velocity of ideal gas molecules is constant in between collision while real gases molecules
do not have constant velocity due to intermolecular forces.
Vapours
A gas is the gaseous state of a substance above its critical temperature, TC.
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
- Below the critical temperature a gas exist as unsaturated vapour at low pressure when the
pressure is increase it condenses until all the gas is turned into a liquid.
A critical temperature is a temperature above which a gas cannot be turned into a liquid by
compression.
Unsaturated vapour is a vapour that is not in dynamic equilibrium with its own liquid while
saturated vapour is a vapour that is in dynamic equilibrium with its own liquid
Sketches of graphs of pressure against temperature for an ideal gas and for saturated water vapour
originally at 00C (03marks)
- The pressure of the air in R is shown by the mercury manometer; if its height is h,
the pressure in mm mercury is P = H-h, where H is the barometer height.
- The tap is opened and the pressure above water varied using the pump to a suitable
value.
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
- The tap is closed and water in the flask in heated until it boil.
- The temperature θ and difference in mercury levels, h, are noted and recorded.
- The saturated vapour pressure, P = (H±ℎ) is calculated
- The procedure is repeated other values of θ and h
- A graph of P versus θ is plotted and the saturated vapour pressure at a particular
temperature is obtained.
Example 33
With the aid of a labelled diagram, describe an experiment to determine standard saturated vapour
pressure of water. (05marks)
Example 34
(ii) (ii) Saturated vapour pressure is not affected by decrease in volume at constant pressure.
(03marks)
A decrease in volume leads to a momentary increase in vapour density. Consequently, the rate
of condensation increases while the rate of evaporation rate is constant. When the vapour
density reduces, the condensation rate also reduces. So the dynamic equilibrium is restored to
the initial value.
Example 35
Two similar cylinders P and Q contain different gases at the same pressure. When gas is released
from P the pressure remains constant for some time before it starts dropping. When gas is released
from Q the pressure continuously drops. Explain the observation above. (05marks)
- The gas in P is in form of a saturated vapour; that is, in dynamic equilibrium with a liquid. As
the gas is released, more liquid turns into a gas to restore pressure until the gas becomes
unsaturated and the pressure begins to drop as the moles of the gas decrease
- The gas in Q is unsaturated, and thus pressure reduces as the moles of the gas reduces up on
release.
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Experiment to show that a liquid boils off when its saturated vapour pressure equals the external
pressure
Evaporation
During evaporation, a liquid changes to vapour low the boiling point.
During evaporation liquid molecules with high kinetic energy escape from inter molecular attraction
in the liquid leaving molecules of low kinetic energy behind. Since temperature s proportional
average kinetic energy of molecules, the liquid cools.
(i) Surface area. Evaporation increases with surface area of a liquid due to increase in the
number of exposed molecules.
(ii) Temperature: increase in temperature increases the rate of evaporation because it
increases the average kinetic energy of the molecules.
(iii) Drought /wind blowing over the surface. Wind removes the saturated air layer from the
surface of the liquid thereby increasing the rate of evaporation.
Example 36
During day, the land is heated to a high temperature than the sea. Hot air expands and rises from
land. A stream of cool air from the sea blows towards the land to replace the uprising air, hence sea
breeze occurs.
At night the land cools faster because it is no longer heated by the sun. The sea retains the warmth
because it is heated deeply. Warm less dense air rises from the sea surface and air from land blows
to replace it leading to land breeze.
Example 37
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
A horizontal tube of uniform bore, closed at one end, has some air trapped by a small quantity of
water. The length of the enclosed air column is 20cm at 120C.
Find stating any assumptions made, the length of air column when the temperature is raised to 380C.
[S.V.P of water at 120C and 380C are 10.5mmHg and 49.5mmHg respectively. Atmospheric pressure =
75cmHG] (05marks)
Example 38
When hydrogen gas is collected over water, the pressure in the tube at 150C and 750C are 65.5cm
and 105.6cm of mercury respectively. If the saturated vapour pressure at 150C is 1.42cm of mercury,
find its value at 750C (04marks)
Sketch graphs of pressure versus volume for fixed mass of a gas undergoing isothermal and adiabatic
changes.
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Condition necessary for realization of an isothermal change
(i) The gas must be held in thin-walled and highly conducting vessel
(ii) The process must take place slowly so that heat pass into the gas to maintain constant
temperature.
(iii) The gas vessel must be surrounded by a constant temperature bath.
Ten moles of a gas, initially at 270C are heated at constant pressure of 1.01 x 105Pa and
volume increased from 0.25m3 to 0.375m3. Calculate the increase in internal energy.
[Assume Cp = 28.5Jmol-1K-1] (06marks)
T1 = 270C = 300K
𝑉1 𝑉2
Using =
𝑇1 𝑇2
0.250 0.375
= ; T2 = 450K
300 𝑇2
𝛥𝑇 = 450 − 300 = 150𝐾
ΔQ = ΔU + Δw
𝑛𝐶𝑝 𝛥𝑇 = 𝑛𝐶𝑣 𝛥𝑇 + 𝑛𝑅𝛥𝑇
𝑛𝐶𝑣 𝛥𝑇 = 𝑛𝐶𝑝 𝛥𝑇 − 𝑛𝑅𝛥𝑇
= 10 x 28.5 x 150 – 10 x 8.31 x 150
= 3.03 x 104J
Example 40
An ideal gas at 180C is compressed adiabatically until the volume is halved. Calculate the final
temperature of the gas. [Assume specific heat capacities of the gas at constant pressure and volume
are 2100Jkg-1K-1 and 1500Jkg-1K-1] respectively. (04marks)
𝛾−1 𝛾−1
𝑇1 𝑉1 = 𝑇2 𝑉2
2100
𝛾= = 1.40
1500
𝑉 1.4−1
291(𝑉)1.4−1 = 𝑇2 ( )
2
T2 = 384K
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Example 41
State the first law of thermodynamics and use it to distinguish between Isothermal and adiabatic
changes in a gas. (05marks)
ΔQ = ΔU + ΔW = nCvΔT + ΔW
During isothermal expansion, ΔT = 0. Therefore all the energy supplied is equal to the work done by
the gas during expansion.
In adiabatic expansion, no heat enters or leaves the gas. Therefore ΔQ = 0 and ΔU = -ΔW.
In adiabatic expansion, work s done at the expense of its internal energy. Therefore the gas cools.
Example 42
(a) (i) What is meant by isothermal process and adiabatic process? (02marks)
Isothermal process is the expansion or compression of a gas at constant temperature.
Adiabatic process is the expansion or compression of a gas where there is no heat loss or gain
into the gas.
(ii) Explain why adiabatic expansion of a gas causes cooling (03marks)
During an adiabatic expansion of a gas, no heat is supplied to the gas. Molecules strike
the receding piston and bounce off with reduced velocities and hence lower kinetic
energy. Since kinetic energy is proportional to temperature, the gas cools during the
expansion
(b) A gas at a temperature of 170C and pressure 1.0 x 105Pa compressed isothermally to half its
original volume. It is then allowed to expand adiabatically to its original volume
(i) Sketch a P-V curve the above process (02marks)
(ii) If the specific heat capacity at constant pressure is 2100Jmol-1K-1 and at constant volume is
1500Jmol-1K-1, find the final temperature of the gas (04marks)
2100
γ= = 1.4
1500
𝛾−1 𝛾−1
𝑇2 𝑉2 = 𝑇3 𝑉3
𝑉 0.4
290 ( ) = 𝑇3 𝑉 0.4
2
𝑇3 = 219.8𝐾
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Heat transfer
Conduction
Conduction is the transfer of heat from a region of high temperature to that of low temperature
without a resultant movement of the molecules of conducting material.
(a) Metals
- The atoms of metals consist of free mobile electrons; when one end of a metal is heated,
these free electrons travel at high speed and collide with other electrons and atoms. In this
way heat is transferred quickly from a hot end to a cold end.
- Secondly when one end of a metal is heated atoms vibrate with high frequency and
amplitude; collide with other atoms to which they give heat. Those atoms that receive heat
also vibrate with high frequency and amplitude, collide and transfer their heat. In this way
heat energy is transferred from one part of the metal to another.
(b) Non-metals
- In non-metal heat is transferred by interatomic vibrations.
- When one end of a metal is heated atoms vibrate with high frequency and amplitude; collide
with other atoms to which they give heat. Those atoms that receive heat also vibrate with
high frequency and amplitude, collide and transfer their heat. In this way heat energy is
transferred from one part of the metal to another
(c) Heat transfer in gases
Heat energy in gases is transferred by molecular collisions between hot and cold molecules.
When a gas is heated, the fast moving molecules collide and pass on their kinetic energy to cold
slower molecules.
The rate of heat flow along the bar is constant since heat loss is negligible.
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
(ii) Unlagged or exposed to the surrounding
The rate of heat flow decrease with length due to heat losses
Example 43
The two ends of a metal bar of length 1.0m are perfectly lagged up to 20cm from either end. The
ends of the bar maintained at 1000C and 00C respectively.
- In lagged portions there is constant heat flow because there I no heat loss to the
surroundings
- In unlagged portion heat flow is not uniform due to heat loss to the environment.
Thermal conductivity.
Thermal conductivity is the rate of heat transfer per unit cross section area per unit temperature
gradient
- Temperature gradient
- Cross-section area
𝑄 𝜃2 − 𝜃1
i.e. = 𝑘𝐴 ( )
𝑡 𝐿
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Measurement of thermal conductivity of a good conductor (e.g. metal)
Conditions
- Specimen bar AB of mean diameter, d, is heated by steam at end A and cooled by water
at end B as shown above
- The lagging ensure a constant rate of heat flow
- The setup is left to run for some time until steady temperatures θ1, θ2, θ3 and θ4 are
obtained.
- The rate water flow m kgs-1 is measured using a cylinder and stop clock.
𝜋𝑑 2
- Cross section area A =
4
- The rate of heat flow is given by
𝑄 𝜃2 − 𝜃1
= 𝑘𝐴 ( ) = 𝑚𝑐𝑤 (𝜃4 − 𝜃3 )
𝑡 𝐿
where k = thermal conductivity of the metal and cw is specific heat capacity of water
- Glass s cut in form of a thin disc of cross section area, A and thickness, x.
- The disc is sandwiched between a steam chest and brass slab of mass, m and specific heat
capacity, c.
- Steam is passed through the chest until the thermometers register steady temperatures, θ1 and
θ2.
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
𝜃 𝜃2 − 𝜃1
- Then, = 𝑘𝐴 ( )
𝑡 𝑥
- The glass disc is removed and brass slab is heated directly by steam chest, until its temperature
is about 100C above θ1.
- Steam chest is removes and the top of the glass slab is covered by the glass disc.
- The temperature of the slab is recorded at suitable time interval until its temperature is about
100C below θ1.
- A graph of temperature against time is plotted and its slope s determined at θ1
𝜃
= 𝑚𝑐𝑠
𝑡
𝜃2 − 𝜃1
∴ 𝑘𝐴 ( ) = 𝑚𝑐𝑠
𝑥
𝑚𝑐𝑠𝑥 𝜋𝐷2
𝑘= but A =
𝐴(𝜃2 − 𝜃1 ) 4
4𝑚𝑐𝑠𝑥
∴𝑘=
𝜋𝐷2 (𝜃2 − 𝜃1 )
Precautions
Example 44
A cylindrical iron vessel with a base of diameter 15cm and thickness 0.30cm has its base coated with
a thin film of soot of thickness 0.10cm. It is then filled with water at 1000C and placed on a large
block of ice at 00C. Calculate the initial rate at which the ice will melt (06marks) (thermal conductivity
of soot=0.12Wm-1K-1, Thermal conductivity of iron, k = 75Wm-1K-1)
𝑄 𝜃2 − 𝜃1 𝜃2 − 𝜃1
= 𝑘𝐴 ( ) = 𝑘1 𝐴 ( ) = 𝑚𝑙𝑓
𝑡 𝑥 𝑥
where m is mass that melt per second and 𝑙𝑓 = latent heat of fusion
𝑄 100− 𝜃1 𝜃1 − 0
= 75𝐴 ( ) = 0.12𝐴 ( )
𝑡 0.3 𝑥 10−2 0.1 𝑥 10−2
0
θ1 = 99.52 C
𝜃2 − 𝜃1
Also, 𝑘𝐴 ( ) = 𝑚𝑙𝑓
𝑥
m = 6.42 x 10-4kgs-1
Example 45
A window of height 1.0m and width 1.5m contains a double grazed unit consisting of two single glass
panes, each of thickness 4.0mm separated by an air gap of 2.0mm. Calculate the rate at which heat
is conducted through the window if the temperatures of external surfaces of glass are 200C and
300Crespectively.
[Thermal conductivities of glass and air are 0.72Wm-1K-1 and 0.025 Wm-1K-1 respectively] (07marks)
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
𝑑𝑄 𝑘𝐴(𝜃2 − 𝜃1 )
= = mc x slope
𝑑𝑇 𝐿
=> θ1 + θ2 = 50
0.72𝐴(30− 𝜃1 ) 0.025𝐴( 𝜃1 − 𝜃2 )
=
4 𝑥 10−3 2 𝑥 10−3
θ1 = 29.40C
𝑑𝑄 0.72𝐴(30− 29.4)
Hence = =162W
𝑑𝑇 4 𝑥 10−3
Example 46
Explain why heating system based on the circulation of steam are more efficient than those based
on circulation of boiling water. (02marks)
A given mass of steam gives out more energy that an equal amount of water because of the specific
latent heat
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Radiation
Thermal radiation is the transfer of heat through vacuum i.e. no material medium is required for
this transmission.
A black body radiation is an electromagnetic radiation emitted by a body solely due its temperature
i.e. energy emitted depends on body’s temperature.
Electromagnetic spectrum
Electromagnetic spectrum is the distribution of electoral magnetic radiations ranging from those of
short wave length to those of longer wave length as shown below.
Infrared radiations
Infrared radiations are electromagnetic radiations which are converted into heat when they strike a
surface.
A cubical metal tank whose sides are painted; dull black, dull white and highly polished is filled with
hot water and radiations from each surface are detected by a thermopile as shown below.
The galvanometer deflection is greatest when the thermopile is facing the dull black surface and
least when facing a highly polished silver surface. Therefore, a polished surface is the least radiator
and a black surface is the best radiator.
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Detectors of infrared radiation
(a) Barometer
The bolometer strip is connected to Wheatstone bridge circuit above. The rheostat is
adjusted until the galvanometer shows no deflection. When the radiations fall on the
strip, they are absorbed and its temperature rises leading to an increase in resistance.
The galvanometer deflects showing the presence of radiations.
(b) a thermopile
Radiation falling on junction A is absorbed and temperature rises above that of junction B.
An e.m.f is generated and is measured by millivolt meter which deflects as a result.
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
Black body
A black body is one which absorbs all radiations incident on it and reflects or transmits none.
The radiations emitted by a black body are called temperature radiations or black body radiations.
When radiation enters a black container through a hole, it undergoes multiple reflections. At each
reflection, part of the radiation is absorbed. After several reflections, all the radiation is retained
inside the container. Hence it approximates to a black body.
Stefan’s law states that the total power radiated by a black body per unit surface area is
𝑃
proportional to the fourth power of its absolute temperature. i.e. ∝ 𝑇4
𝐴
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
If E is the total energy radiated per second per m2 area of a black body at temperature T,
then E = σT4. Where σ is called Stefan’s constant = 5.67 x 10-8Wm-2K-4.
Example 47
The earth receives energy from the earth from the sun at the rate of 1.4 x 103Wm-2. If the ratio of
the earth’s orbit to the sun’s radius is 216, calculate the surface temperature of the sum. (05marks)
4𝜋𝑟 2 𝜎𝑇 4
∴ = 1.4 𝑥 103
4𝜋𝑅2
𝑇 = 5.82𝑥 103 K
Example 48
A spherical black body of radius 2.0cm at -730C is suspended in an evacuated enclosure whose walls
are maintained at 270C. If the rate of exchange of thermal energy is equal to 1.85Js-1,
T1 = 27 + 273 = 300K
P = Aσ(𝑇14 − 𝑇24 )
σ = 5.66 x 10-8Wm-1K-4
(ii) (Calculate the wavelength at which the radiation emitted by the enclosure ha
maximum intensity (03mark)
When a body is in thermal equilibrium with its surrounding, its rate of emission of radiation to
surrounding is equal to the rate of absorption of the radiation from the surrounding.
Example 49
A small blackened solid copper sphere of radius 2cm is placed in an evacuated enclosure whose wall
are kept at 1000C. Find the rate at which energy must be supplied to the sphere to keep its
temperature at 1270C. (03marks)
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school
P =σA(𝑇24 − 𝑇14 )
= σ4πr2(𝑇24 − 𝑇14 )
= 1.78W
Example 50
The energy intensity received by a spherical planet from a star is 1.4 x 103Wm-2. The star is of radius
7.0 x 105km and is 14.0 x 107km from the planet.
- When short wavelength infrared radiation from the sun pass through the water vapour and
carbon dioxide in lower layers of the atmosphere, the radiation is absorbed by the earth
warming it up.
- The earth re-emits this radiation (infrared) as black body radiation of long wavelength
(because of low temperature) and therefore it is trapped by the water vapour and carbon
dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere.
- Since the radiation is prevented from escaping from the earth’s atmosphere, it causes global
warming.
End
Compiled by Dr. Bbosa Science
Sponsored by The Science Foundation College + 256 753 802709 O- and A-level Secondary school