Learning Hub/Simulation Registry/Physics/HL/Chapter 10

Physics HL

Chapter 10: Thermodynamics

Apply conservation of energy to thermal systems, then extend to entropy, the second law, and heat-engine limits including Carnot efficiency.

3 simulation entries

Simulation: Internal-Energy Intuition from Particle Motion

Use gas-phase particle view to connect temperature change to average random motion and infer internal-energy change trends.

Appears in: 10.1 Internal Energy and State Functions

Thermal Particle Lab

Microstate viewer (60 particles)

Particle spacing and random-motion speed change with phase and temperature.

Energy partition (relative)

Average kinetic (per mol)3741.30 J/mol
Intermolecular potential depth-4.28 a.u.
Internal-energy index14.92 a.u.

Speed distribution sketch

Shift right and flatten as temperature increases.speed

Mean molecule kinetic

6.213e-21 J

RMS speed index

11.43

Compressibility index

0.20

Phase

LIQUID

Use this model to connect the microscopic picture (particle spacing and random motion) with macroscopic language (temperature, compressibility, and internal energy trends).

Simulation: First Law and P-V Area Analyzer

Switch between isobaric, isothermal, isovolumetric, and adiabatic paths to compare P-V area (work), Delta U, and heat transfer signs.

Appears in: 10.2 First Law and Work on P-V Diagrams, 10.3 Entropy and the Second Law, 10.4 Heat Engines and the Carnot Limit

Thermodynamic Cycle Lab

P-V process map

781562343135.28.612.115.518.9Pressure (kPa)Volume (L)State 1State 2

Initial state

T1 = 240.6 K

P1 = 250.0 kPa, V1 = 8.00 L

Final state

T2 = 421.0 K

P2 = 250.0 kPa, V2 = 14.00 L

Energy accounting

ΔU = +2250.0 J

Q = +3750.0 J, W = +1500.0 J

Isobaric process: pressure stays fixed, so work equals the rectangular PΔV area under the path.

Sign convention used here: ΔU = Q - W, where W is work done by the gas on the surroundings.

Simulation: Process-Constraint Comparison

Switch process modes to compare constant-T, constant-P, and constant-V behavior, then connect those constraints back to first-law terms.

Appears in: 10.2 Continued: Standard Processes and Process Equations

Ideal Gas Law Lab

Active law interpretation

General mode lets n, V, and T vary freely so you can inspect full PV = nRT coupling.

Container micro-view (animated gas particles + piston)

Volume: 16.00 LPressure: 199.5 kPaTemperature: 320.0 K

P-V map with isotherms

V (L)P (kPa)

State diagnostics

P

199.5 kPa

1.97 atm

T

320.0 K

46.9 deg C

V

16.00 L

0.0160 m^3

Pressure index13%
Thermal index27%
Volume fraction37%

Microscopic metrics

RMS speed c_rms: 533.9 m s^-1

Mean molecular kinetic energy: 6.627e-21 J

Density estimate: 2.100 kg m^-3

Monatomic internal energy estimate: 4788.9 J

Model validity note

Ideal-model range: this state is in a typical low-density, moderate-temperature regime where PV = nRT is usually reliable.

Try this workflow: hold n fixed, then switch between Boyle/Charles/Gay-Lussac modes and verify each ratio form before returning to full-state PV = nRT checks.