Physics · Theme B: The particulate nature of matter

B.4 — Thermodynamics

Physics · SL / HL · syllabus-mapped notes

1. The first law of thermodynamics

   Q = ΔU + W as conservation of energy for a closed system, work done, and the sign convention.

2. Entropy and the second law

   Entropy as disorder, its macroscopic and statistical definitions, and the second law.

3. Thermodynamic processes

   Isovolumetric, isobaric, isothermal and adiabatic processes on a P–V diagram.

4. Heat engines and the Carnot cycle

   Cyclic processes, heat-engine efficiency, and the Carnot limit.