d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-1

LESSON 18
THERMAL PHYSICS
Study of heat and thermodynamics has widespread scope and applications. From the
industrial revolution to superconductivity, heat and thermodynamics has had its own role to
play. In the present chapter we try to look into the topic of heat and thermodynamics from
IIT-JEE point of view.

We have divided the entire theory in two sections. The section I begins with thermal
expansion and ends with heat transfer. In between we have also covered thermometry and
calorimetry. The section II deals entirely with thermodynamics, here we have investigated the
dynamics of heat flow between system and surrounding. In order to have better
understanding of these we have also covered various laws of an ideal gas.

IITJEE Syllabus: Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases; Calorimetry,

latent heat; Heat conduction in one dimension; Elementary concepts of convection
and radiation; Newton’s law of cooling; Ideal gas laws; Specific heats (Cv and Cp);
Isothermal and adiabatic processes, bulk modulus of gases; Equivalence of heat
and work; First law of thermodynamics and its applications (only for ideal gases).
Black body radiation: absorptive and emissive powers; Kirchhoff’s law, Wien’s
displacement law, Stefan’s law.

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SECTION  I

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1. THERMAL EXPANSION

Most of the substances expand on heating; this thermal expansion takes place in all the
dimensions, length, breadth and height. For a linear object, for a small change in temperature
dT, the fractional change in length (dl/l) is directly proportional to dT i.e.
dl
=  dT (1)
l
where  is known as the thermal coefficient of linear expansion and it depends on the
material of the rod. If the initial length of the object is l0 and change in temperature is T then
equation (1) will give us the new length of the rod, which is
l = l0eT … (2)
If T is very small as compared to 1 then
l = l0 (1 + T) … (3)
Similar expressions can be written for change in area for a two-dimensional object and
change in volume for a three dimensional object.
S = S0 (1 + T )
and V = V0 (1 + T)
where  and  are coefficients of superficial expansion and coefficient of cubical expansion
respectively.
The relation between ,  and  for an isotropic solid is  :  :  : : 1 : 2 : 3.

1.1 THERMAL STRESS

When a rod is held between two fixed supports and its temperature is increased, the fixed
supports do not allow the rod to expand, which results in a stress which is called thermal stress.
Let a rod of length l is held between two fixed supports and its temperature is increased by
T, then change in length of the rod
 l = l T
where  is thermal coefficient of linear expansion for the material of the rod.
If Y is the Young’s modulus for the material of the rod and A is the area of cross-section of
the rod then mechanical compression in the rod.
F  l
l  =  
 A Y
Since support is rigid
 l + l  = 0, which gives
F
   YT
A
This is thermal stress, – ive sign indicates that thermal stress is compressive in nature.

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1.2 EXPANSION OF LIQUIDS

Liquids like solids expand on heating. The liquids have no definite shape and they
experience volume expansion only. As the liquid is contained in a vessel, the observed expansion of
liquid is less than the real expansion, because the capacity of vessel containing liquid increases with
temperature. If C is the coefficient of real expansion of liquid and C the coefficient of apparent
expansion of liquid and  coefficient of linear expansion of solid container then
C = C + 3
The expansion of gases we will cover in section II.

A metal rod is heated till its length becomes twice of it’s original length. If coefficient of
linear expansion of the material of the rod is , then what is the change in temperature?

Illustration 1

Question: The design of some physical instrument requires that there be a constant difference in length of
6 cm between an iron rod and copper rod laid side by side at all temperatures. Find their
lengths.
(Fe = 11 × 10–6 0C–1, Cu = 17 × 10–6 °C–1)
Solution: Since the CU > Fe so length of iron rod should be greater than the length of copper rod.
Let the initial lengths of iron and copper rods be l1 and l2 , then
l1 – l2 = 6 cm … (i)
also since the difference has to be constant at all the temperatures, so
l = l1 Fe T = l2Cu T
l1 Cu
 … (ii)
l2 Fe

Solving (i) & (ii) we get

l1 = 17 cm and l2 = 11 cm

Illustration 2

Question: The height of mercury column measured at t°= 400 C with a metallic scale which gives correct
reading H1 = 100 cm at 0°C. What height H0 will the liquid column have at 0°C? The coefficient
of linear expansion of brass is  = 0.03/ 0C and the coefficient of volume expansion of mercury
is  = 0.05 / 0C.
Solution: H1 at t°C = H1 (1 +  t) actually since pressure is same, so
0 gH0 = t gH1 (1 + t)
t
H0 = H1 (1 + t) = H1 (1 + t) (1 + t)–1
0

H0 = H1 [1 + ( - ) t] = 1001  0.03  0.05 40 = 20 cm

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Illustration 3

Question: A sphere of diameter 7.0 cm and mass 266.5 g floats in a bath of liquid. As the temperature is
raised, the sphere begins to sink at a temperature of 35°C. If the density of the liquid is 1.527
g/cm3 at 0°C, find the coefficient of cubical expansion
(in /0C) of the liquid. Neglect the expansion of the sphere.
Solution: It is given that the expansion of the sphere is negligible as compared to the expansion of the liquid. At
0°C, the density of the liquid is 0 = 1.527 g/cm3. At 35°C, the density of the liquid equals the density
of the sphere. Thus,
266 .5 g
 35 
4
 (3.5 cm) 3
3
= 1.484 g/cm3
 V0 1
We have  
0 V (1   )

0
Or,  =
1  

 0   35 (1.527  1.484 ) g /cm3

Thus, = =
 35 (35 C ) (1.484 g/cm3 ) (35C )
= 828 /°C.

The length of a brass rod is found to be smaller on a hot summer day than on a cold
winter day as measured by the same aluminium scale. Does it indicate that brass
shrinks on heating?

2. THERMOMETRY

The zeroth law of thermodynamics states that, if two bodies A and B are separately in
thermal equilibrium with a third body C, then A and B are in thermal equilibrium with each other.
If two bodies are left for a long time so that they reach thermal equilibrium, the property
that becomes common to the two bodies is temperature.
Thermometry is the branch of Physics that deals with the measurement of temperature. The
device which is used to measure temperature is called thermometer.

2.1 TEMPERATURE SCALES

Defining a temperature scale involves
(i) Choosing the thermometric substance
(ii) The choice of the thermometric property of the substance.
(iii) Choosing the upper fixed point and lower fixed point.
(iv) Choosing the number of divisions between the two fixed points.
Let N be the number of divisions between the fixed upper and fixed lower point. If measure
of the thermodynamic property at the upper fixed point be xN and that at lower fixed point is x0 then
if temperature at the lower fixed point is to and at an unknown temperature t the measure of the
thermometric property is x then,
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x  x0
t N  t0
xN  x0

This equation defines temperature t. Some of the most common thermometric properties are
the length of the liquid column (like mercury) in a glass capillary tube, the electrical resistance of
the coil, the emf of a thermocouple etc.
Based on the choice of upper and lower fixed points we define various scales e.g., Celsius
scale, Farenheit scale, Requmer scale. The relation between these scales is given by the following
equation.
C K  273 F  32 R
  
100 100 180 4

Illustration 4

Question: What is the temperature which has the same numerical value in centigrade scale and Fahrenheit
Scale?

Solution: Let x be the required temperature

x 0 x  32 x x  32 x x  32
Now = or  (or) 
100  0 212  32 100 180 5 9

9 x  5 x  160

4 x   160

x   40

 – 40°C or – 72K

Illustration 5

 
Question: A thermometer has its lower and upper fixed points marked as 10 and 80 . When it reads 38°
what is the corresponding temperature on Centigrade scale?

Solution: Let x be the reading on Centigrade scale

x0 38  10

100  0 80  10

x 28
 ,
100 70

28 280
x  100   400C
70 7

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3. CALORIMETRY

Neglecting any heat exchange with the surrounding the principle of calorimetry states that
the total heat given by the hot objects equals the total heat received by the cold objects.
Heat is a form of energy. It is the energy in transit whenever temperature difference exists.
Since heat is energy in transit its unit in SI is joule. Another unit of heat is calory which is used
very often. The relation between the joule and calory is given as
1 calories = 4.18 joule

3.1 SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY AND MOLAR HEAT CAPACITY

When heat is supplied to a body the temperature of the body increases. The increase in
temperature of the body depends upon the mass of the substance, heat supplied, the material of the
body as well as the surrounding conditions. We write the equation.
Q = ms () … (4)
Where  is the change in temperature m is the mass of the body, Q is the heat supplied and
s is a constant for given material under the given surrounding conditions. The constant s is called
specific heat capacity of the substance.
The SI unit for specific heat capacity is J/kg – K or J/kg – °C. The specific heat capacity is
also called specific heat in short. The amount of substance in the given body may also be measured
in terms of number of moles. So equation (4) may be rewritten as
Q = nC … (5)
Where n is the number of moles in the sample. The constant C is called molar heat capacity.
3.2 MECHANICAL EQUIVALENT OF HEAT
Since we define heat as energy in transit hence it can be compared to work. In fact we do
have a relation, which tells us that how much mechanical energy is equivalent to work. If
mechanical work W joule produces the same temperature difference as is produced by a heat H
calories then we write.
W = JH
Where J is called mechanical equivalent of heat. The unit of J is joule/calorie.

3.3 HEAT CAPACITY & WATER EQUIVALENT

The quantity ms is called heat capacity of the body. Its unit is J/K or J/°C. The mass of water having the same
heat capacity as a given body is called water equivalent of the body. The unit of water equivalent is kg.

Latent Heat: Apart from raising the temperature, heat supplied to a body may cause a
phase change such as solid to liquid or liquid to vapour. During the process of melting or
vaporisation, the temperature remains constant. The amount of heat needed to melt a solid of mass
m may be written as

Q = mL … (6)

Where L is a constant for a given material for the given surrounding conditions. This
constant L is called specific latent heat of fusion, commonly referred as latent heat of fusion. The
equation (6) is also valid when a liquid, changes into vapour and the constant L in this case is called
specific latent heat of vaporisation commonly referred as latent heat of vaporisation.

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Illustration 6

Question: A lead ball at 30°C is dropped from a height of 6.2 km. The ball is heated due to the air
resistance and it completely melts just before reaching the ground. The molten substance falls
slowly on the ground. Calculate the latent heat of fusion of lead. Specific heat capacity of lead =
126 J/kg–°C and melting point of lead = 330°C. Assume that any mechanical energy lost is used
to heat the ball. Use g = 10 m/s2.

Solution: The initial gravitational potential energy of the ball

= mgh

= m × (10 m/s2) (6.2 × 103 m)

= m × (6.2 × 104 m2/s2) = m × (6.2 × 104 J/kg).

All this energy is used to heat the ball as it reaches the ground with a small velocity. Energy required
to take the ball from 30°C to 330°C is

m × (126 J/kg–°C) × (300°C)

= m × 37800 J/kg

and energy required to melt the ball at 330°C = mL

where L = latent heat of fusion of lead

Thus, m × (6.2 × 104 J/kg) = m × 37800 J/kg + mL

or, L = 24 kJ/kg.

Illustration 7

Question: How should one kg of water at 10C be so divided that one part of it when converted into ice at
0C, would by this change of state provide a quantity of heat that would be sufficient to vaporise
the other part?

Solution: Initially 1000 g of water is at 10C.

Let m gram of it be cooled to ice at 0C.

Heat released due to this = (m  1  10) + (m  80)

= 10m + 80m = 90m cal.

The heat required by (1000 – m) g of water at 10C to become steam at 100C

= (1000 – m) (100 – 10) + (1000 – m) 540 cal

= (1000 – m) (90 + 540) cal

= (1000 – m) (630) cal

Now, 90 m = (1000 – m) 630 or, 720 m = 630  1000

630  1000
m = = 875 g
720

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Hence 875 g of water by turning into at 0C will supply heat to evaporate 125 g of water.

The atmospheric temperature in coastal cities changes very little, why?

4. HEAT TRANSFER

Heat can be transferred from one place to another by three different methods, namely,
conduction, convection and radiation. Conduction usually takes place in solids, convection in
liquids and gases, and no medium is required for radiation.

4.1 THERMAL CONDUCTION

This is the mode of heat transfer in which particles of the medium do not leave their
position permanently i.e., they keep vibrating at their own places and transfer energy from one part
of the medium to the other part.

4.1.1 Thermal conductivity

The ability of a material to conduct heat is measured by

thermal conductivity of the material.
Consider a solid bar of thickness l and cross-sectional T1 T2
area A. Let the left side of the bar is at temperature T1 and right
side at T2 where T1 > T2.
l

Sooner or later the temperature of each cross-section becomes constant with respect to time.
This is known as steady state. If Q amount of heat flows through a cross-section in time t under
steady state conditions then the rate of heat transfer is given by
Q KA (T1  T2 )

t l
where K is a constant for the material of the rod and is called thermal conductivity of the
material of the rod. It’s unit is J/s-m-K or Cal/s-m-K.
If the area of cross-section is not uniform or if the steady state conditions are not reached,
then the equation can only be applied to a thin layer of material perpendicular to the heat flow. If A
be the area of cross-section at a place, dx be a small thickness and dT be the temperature difference
across the layer of thickness dx then the rate of heat transfer is
dQ dT
  KA
dt dx
dT
The negative sign indicates that is negative along the direction of flow.
dx

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4.1.2 Thermal Resistance

In the equation
Q T1  T2

t l
( )
KA
Q
If we treat as thermal current and T1 – T2 as the temperature difference due to which
t
l
the thermal current is flowing, then quantity can be treated as somewhat similar to electrical
KA
v
resistance (think i = , Ohm’s law) and we call it thermal resistance. So thermal resistance of a
R
body depends upon its length, area of cross-section and thermal conductivity of the material of the
body.

Q dQ
The heat current is written as and not as . Why?
t dt

4.2 COMBINATION OF LAYERS

4.2.1 Layers in series

Let us consider a multiplayer medium consisted of layers having area of cross-section A each and
width d1, d2, …dn as shown. The thermal conductivities of various layers are K1, K2 …, Kn. If a temperature
difference of magnitude T0 – Tn is maintained between the near and far faces of the multiplayer (where To
and Tn are the temperatures of the near and far faces respectively), The rate of heat flow is given by

Q A (T0  Tn )

t d 1 d 2 d
  ...  n
k1 k 2 kn

Which can be obtained directly using the concept of thermal resistance

 Q 
Tn  
T0  t 
k1 k2 k3 kn A

d1 d2 d3 dn

4.2.2 Layers in parallel

Now let us consider a multiplayer, this time having same width d but different areas of cross-
section A1, A2, … An as shown. The thermal conductivities of the various layers are k1, k2, … kn. If a
temperature difference of magnitude (T0 – Tn) is maintained between the near and far faces of the
multiplayer (where T0 and Tn are the temperatures of near and far faces respectively, the rate of heat flow
is given by

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Q (T0  Tn ) (k1A1  k 2 A2  ...  k n An )


t d

Which can be obtained directly using the concept of thermal resistance.

A1

 Q  T0 k1
 
 t  An Tn

kn
d

4.3 CONVECTION
It is the mode of heat transfer by actual motion of matter. It is therefore possible only in
fluids. Convection can be natural or forced. Gravity plays an important role in natural convection.
Convection involves bulk transport of different parts of the liquid. We can see many examples of
heat transfer by convection in our day to day life, right from the circulation of blood in our body to
the intricacies of monsoon in India are all examples of convection. However the mathematical
analysis of convection is beyond the scope of IIT-JEE, so we are not discussing the mathematics of
convection.

4.4 HEAT TRANSFER THROUGH RADIATION

We have already defined radiation as the mode of heat transfer from one body to other even
in the absence of any medium. Before discussing the laws governing radiation we have to
understand following terms.
Black body: A black body may be defined as the one that completely absorbs the radiations
of all wavelengths incident on it. The concept of black body is an idealised concept and in practice
no substance behaves like black body.
Emissive power (E): The emissive power of a body is defined as the energy radiated per
unit area per unit time, per unit solid angle perpendicular to the area. So if energy radiated by the
area A of the surface in the solid angle W in time t be U the emissive power of the body is
given by
U
E=
( A) ( W ) ( t )
A W
The unit of emissive power is j/s/m2

Absorptive power (a): Absorptive power of a body is defined as the fraction of the incident
radiation that is absorbed by the body.
Energy absorbed
So a =
Energy incident
As all the radiation incident on a black body is absorbed, the absorptive power of black
body is unity.

4.4.1. Kirchhoff’s law of radiation

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Kirchhoff’s law states that ratio of the emissive power to the absorptive power for the
radiation of a given wavelength is same for all bodies at the same temperature and is equal to the
emissive power of a perfectly black body at that temperature. Kirchhoff’s law in a way tells that a
good emitter is a good absorber and a good absorber is a good emitter.

E (body)
So = E (black body)
a (body)

4.4.2 Stefan’s law

The energy emitted per second per unit area of a black body is proportional to the fourth
power of absolute temperature of the emitter, and is given by

E = T 4 … (i)

where  is a constant known as Stefan’s constant and its value is 5.67 × 10–8 J/m2-s-K4 For
any other body

E = eT 4 … (ii)

where e is emissivity which is defined for a surface as the ratio of the emissive power of the
surface to the emissive power of black body at the same temperature. The value of e lies between 0
and 1, it is zero for perfectly reflecting surface and unity for black body.
Using Kirchhoff’s law
E (body)
= a
E (black body)
Using (i) and (ii) we get
E (body)
=e =a
E (black body)
So emissivity and absorptive power have the same value.
Net Loss of Heat: The rate at which a body radiates energy is determined by the
temperature of the body but the rate at which it absorbs energy by radiation depends on the
temperature of surroundings.
So for a body at a temperature of T1 surrounded by walls at temperature T2 the net rate of
loss of energy by radiation per unit area per second by radiation is given by
Enet = e (T14 – T24)

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4.4.3 Newton’s law of cooling

For a small temperature difference between body and surrounding, the rate of cooling of the
body is directly proportional to the temperature difference. This can be easily derived taking the
value of T to be really close to temperature of surrounding To. Mathematically rate of fall of
temperature with respect to time is given as
dT
 – bA (T  T0 )
dt

where b is a constant which depends on the nature of the surface involved and surrounding
conditions A is the surface area of the body and (T – T0) is the instantaneous temperature difference
between the body and the surrounding. This is known as Newton’s law of cooling. The negative
sign indicates that temperature decreases with time. This equation can be used in Celsius scale as
difference in temperature is same for absolute as well as for Celsius scale.

4.4.4 Spectral distribution of energy in a black body radiation

A black body emits radiations of different wavelength, however the energy content of
radiations of different wavelength is not equal. The relative intensities of different wavelengths
depend upon the temperature of radiator. The distribution of energy among the various wavelengths
in blackbody radiation was studied by Lummer and Pringsheim and following information were
obtained.

(1) For a given temperature the graph between energy and wavelength is a continuous
spreading from a minimum to a maximum and has a wavelength (m) where the emission is
maximum.

(2) As the temperature increases the wavelength at which the emission is maximum, shifts
to lower values.

i.e., m T = b where b is a constant having value 2.9 × 10–3 m-K

This is called Wein’s displacement law

(3) As the temperature increases, the area enclosed T3 > T2 > T1
by the curve also increases. E
(4) Area under the curve is proportional to T4 and T3
hence verifies Stefan’s law. T2
T1

m1
m2
m3

Illustration 8

Question: A closed cubical box is made of perfectly insulating material and the only way for heat to enter
or leave the box is through two solid cylindrical metal plugs, each of cross-sectional area 12 cm2
and length 8 cm fixed in the opposite walls of the box. The outer surface of one plug is kept at a
temperature of 100°C while the outer surface of the other plug is maintained at a temperature
of 4°C. The thermal conductivity of the material of the plug is 2.0 W/m-°C. A source of energy
generating 12 W is enclosed inside the box. Find the equilibrium temperature of the inner
surface of the box assuming that it is the same at all points on the inner surface.

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Solution: The situation is shown in figure. Let the temperature

inside the box be . The rate at which heat enters the
box through the left plug is
1= 100°C S 2= 4°C
Q1 KA (1  )

t x

The rate of heat generation in the box = 12 W. The rate at which heat flows out of the box through the
right plug is

Q1 Q 2
 12 W 
t t

KA KA
or, (1 – ) + 12 W = (   2 )
x x

KA KA 1   2 (12 W ) x
or, 2  (1   2 )  12 W or,   
x x 2 2KA

100 C  4C (12 W )  0.08 m

=  = 52°C + 200°C  252°C.
2 2  (2.0 W / m  C ) (12  10  4 m 2 )

Illustration 9

Question: An electric heater is used in a room of total wall area 137 m2 to maintain a temperature of 20°C
inside it, when the outside temperature is –10°C. The walls have three different layers of
materials. The innermost layer is of wood of thickness
2.5 cm, the middle layer is of cement of thickness 1.0 cm and the outermost layer is of brick of
thickness 25.0 cm. Find the power of the electric heater. Assume that there is no heat loss
through the floor and the ceiling. The thermal conductivities of wood, cement and brick are
0.125 W/m-°C, 1.5 W/m-°C and 1.0 W/m–°C respectively.

Solution: The situation is shown in figure. The thermal

resistances of the wood, the cement and the
Cement

brick layers are

1= 20°C 2= 10°C
1 x
RW 
K A
Wood Brick
1 2.5  10 2 m
=
0.125 W/m  C 137 m2
0.20
= C/W
137
1 1.0  10 2 m 0.0067
RC = = C/W
1.5 W/m  C 137 m 2 137

1 25.0  10 2 m 0.25
and RB  = C/W
1.0 W/m  C 137 m 2 137
As the layers are connected in series, the equivalent R = Rw + RC + RB
0.20  0.0067  0.25
= °C/W = 3.33 × 10–3 °C/W
137
1  2 20 C  ( 10C)
The heat current is i  = = 9000 W
R 3.33  10 3C/W
The heater must supply 9000 W to compensate the outflow of heat.

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Illustration 10

Question: The figure shows a large tank of water at a constant

temperature 0 and a small vessel containing a mass m
= 10 kg of water at an initial temperature 1 (< 0). A
metal rod of length
L = 2m area of cross-section A = 1 m2 and thermal 1
0 L
conductivity K = 2100 w connects the two vessels. Find
the time taken for the temperature of the water in the
smaller vessel to become 2(1 < 2 < 0). Specific heat
capacity of water is s = 4200J/kg -K and all other heat
capacities are negligible.

Solution: Suppose, the temperature of the water in the smaller vessel is  at time t. In the next time interval dt,
a heat, Q is transferred to it where

KA
Q  ( 0  ) dt … (i)
L

This heat increases the temperature of the water of mass m to  + d where

Q = ms d … (ii)
From (i) and (ii),
KA
(0  ) dt = ms d
L

Lms d
or, dt =
KA 0  

T 2
Lms d
or,  dt 
KA  0  
0 1

where T is the time required for the temperature of the water to become 2.

 Lms θ  θ1 
Thus, T  ln 0 
 KA θ0  θ 2 

2  1  4200
 ln e 2
2100  1

= 40  2 = 80 sec

Illustration 11

Question: The earth receives solar radiation at a rate of 8.2 J/cm2 – minute. Assuming that the sun
radiates like a blackbody. Calculate the surface temperature of the sun. The angle subtended
by the sun on the earth is 0.53° and the Stefan constant
 = 5.67 × 10-8 W/m2-K4.

Solution: Let the diameter of the sun be D and its

distance from the earth be R. From the
question, D earth
D  R
 0.53 
R 180 Sun

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= 9.25 × 10–3 … (i)

The radiation emitted by the surface of the sun per unit time is
2
D
4   T 4  D2T 4
2
At distance R, this radiation falls on an area 4R2 in unit time. The radiation received at the earth’s
surface per unit time per unit area is, therefore,
2
D 2T 4 T 4 D 
 R 
4R 2 4  
2
T 4 D 
 R   8.2 J/cm – minute
2
Thus,
4  

1  W  4
or,   5.67  10 8 2  T  (9.25  10 3 )2
4  m K 
4

8.2 W
= 4
10  60 m2
or, T = 5794 K

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PROFICIENCY TEST I

The following questions deal with the basic concepts of this section. Answer the following
briefly. Go to the next section only if your score is at least 80%. Do not consult the Study
Material while attempting these questions.

1. A composite slab is prepared by pasting two plates of thicknesses l1 and l2 and thermal
conductivities K1 and K2. The slabs have equal cross-sectional area. Find the equivalent conductivity
of the slab.

2. A pendulum clock losses 12 s a day if the temperature is 40°C and gains 4 s a day if temperature is
20°C, find the temperature at which clock will give correct time.

3. Find the final temperature when 150 gm of ice at 0°C is mixed with 300 gm of water at 50°C.
Specific heat of water = 1 cal/gm/°C. Latent heat of fusion of ice = 80 cal/gm

F G
4. Twelve identical conducting rods form a uniform cube of
side l. In steady state the ends B and H are at 100°C & 0°C. E 0°C
Find the temperature of the junction A. H
100°C C
B
D
A

5. The emissivity of tungsten is 0.35. A tungsten sphere 1 cm in radius is suspended within a large
evacuated enclosure whose walls are at 300 K. What power input is required to maintain the
sphere at a temperature of 300 K, if heat conduction along the supports is neglected? ( = 5.67 ×
10–8 SI units)

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ANSWERS TO PROFICIENCY TEST I

K 1K 2 (L1  L2 )
1.
L1K 2  L2 K 1

2. 25°C

3. 6.7°C

4. 60°

5. 0.2020 Watt

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SECTION  II

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5. THERMODYNAMICS

5.1 FUNDAMENTAL ASSUMPTIONS OF KINETIC THEORY OF GAS

1. All gases are made of molecules moving randomly in all directions.
2. The size of a molecule is much smaller than the average separation between the
molecules.
3. No forces of attraction or repulsion are exerted on a gas molecule by other
molecules or by the container except during collisions. This implies that energy of
gas is purely kinetic.
4. Collisions between two molecules or between a molecule and a wall are perfectly
elastic. The time spent during a collision is assumed to be negligibly small.
5. The molecules follow Newton’s laws of motion.
6. In the steady state molecular density remains uniform throughout the gas and does
not change with time.
A gas which satisfies all the above assumptions of kinetic theory of gases under all set of
temperature and pressure is called an ideal gas or perfect gas. In our present discussion we will
always consider only ideal gases.

5.2 INTERNAL ENERGY OF AN IDEAL GAS

In case of an ideal gas, according to kinetic theory of gases we assume no force of
interaction between molecules. Hence internal potential energy is zero. Internal energy of an ideal
gas is purely kinetic and it depends only on temperature. Needless to say internal energy of an ideal
gas is a state function.

5.3 EXPANSION OF GASES

The state of a given mass of a gas is determined by the values of three parameters, the
pressure P, the volume V and the temperature T. Since the three quantities are related to one another
according to a certain law, a change in one causes change in others. If relation between any two of
them is required, the third has to be constant. Three such relations can be obtained.
Boyle’s law gives a relation between pressure and volume when temperature is kept
constant. At constant temperature the pressure of a given mass of gas is inversely proportional to its
volume i.e.,
1
P or PV = constant
V
Charle’s law gives the relation between temperature and volume at constant pressure. The
volume of a given mass of a gas is directly proportional to absolute temperature of the gas.
V  T when P is constant
V
or = constant
T
The pressure of a given mass of gas at constant volume varies directly as its Kelvin
temperature.

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P
= constant (at constant volume)
T
Charle’s law of pressure says that at a given volume, the pressure of a given mass of a gas
a proportional to its absolute temperature. i.e.,
(P)constant volume T

5.4 IDEAL GAS EQUATION

For n moles of an ideal gas at pressure P, absolute temperature T, occupying a volume V,
the ideal gas equation is given by
PV = nRT
This is called equation of the state of the gas, and this equation gives a relation between
pressure P, volume V and temperature T of the gas at any given state of the system.

5.5 OTHER IMPORTANT LAWS OF AN IDEAL GAS

Avagadro’s law say that at the same temperature and pressure, equal volumes of all gases
contain equal number of molecules.
Graham’s law of diffusion says that when two gases at the same pressure and temperature
are allowed to diffuse into each other, the rate of diffusion of each gas is inversely proportional to
the square root of the density of the gas i.e.,
1
rate of diffusion 
Density of gas

Dalton’s law of Partial Pressure says that the pressure exerted by a mixture of several
gases equals the sum of the pressures exerted by each gas occupying the same volume as that of the
mixture i.e., if P1, P2, … Pn are the pressures exerted by individual gases of the mixture, then
pressure of the mixture of the gas is
P = P1 + P1 + … + Pn

5.6 THE FIRST LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS

The first law of thermodynamics states that the heat supplied to a thermodynamics system
gets used in increasing the internal energy and doing external work. Mathematically this law can be
expressed as
Q = U + W
where Q is the heat given to the gas and W is the work done by the gas. The total energy
of the gas must be conserved. The conventions which we follow for Q and W are,
(a) if work is done by the system it is positive
(b) if work is done on the system it is negative
(c) if heat is given to the system it is positive
(d) if heat is given by the system it is negative
Work done by a gas: Consider a gas contained in a
cylinder of cross-sectional area A fitted with a movable piston.
Let the pressure of the gas is p. The force exerted by the gas on
the piston is pA in the outward direction. If the gas expands by a
small distance x then the work done by the gas on the piston is

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x

W = (PA) (x) = PV

where V is the change in volume of the gas. We can divide the entire process of expansion
in small steps and add work done in each step. So the total work done by the gas in the process is
V2


W  PdV
V1

If we show the process in a diagram, the work done is equal to the area bounded by the
P-V curve, V-axis and ordinates at V1 & V2.
Specific heat capacities for gases: The specific heat capacity of a substance is defined as
the heat supplied per unit mass of the substance for the unit rise in the temperature. If an amount
Q of heat is given to a mass m of the substance and its temperature rises by T then the specific
heat capacity is given by
Q
S=
m T
This definition applied for all substances. Let us
consider one mole (it is convenient to describe amount of gas 
in mole) of an ideal gas at pressure P1, volume V1, and P b
temperature T1. We represent the state of the gas by the point a a
in the P-V diagram as shown in the figure. Let us consider
another point b in the P-V diagram at which the pressure is P2,
V
volume is V2 and temperature is (T1 + 1). If we stick to our
definition, then amount of heat given to gas to take it from a to
b is specific heat of the gas. Now according to 1st law of
thermodynamics
Q = U + W
Since U depends only on temperature difference it will be a constant irrespective of the
path the gas takes in reaching from a to b. W being path dependent will be different for different
processes.
So in order to increase the temperature by 1°C, the heat supplied will be different for
different processes. So we conclude that specific heat of a gas is path dependent. In order to define
specific heat for gases we will first have to define the path. So specific heat for a gas can have
infinite number of values depending upon the process by which temperature increase has been
accomplished. So we can say that a gas can have infinite number of specific heats based on the
processes. However the most common processes in which temperature increase takes place are
defined as process at constant volume. So specific heat for unit mass of gas at constant pressure is
defined as cp and at constant volume cV. Let the volume of a gas of mass m is kept constant and heat
Q is given to it. If its temperature rises by T, the specific heat capacity is given by
 Q 
CV =   and is called specific heat capacity of the gas at constant volume.
 m T  constant v olume
Now suppose the pressure of the gas is constant, if temperature of m mass of a gas is increased by
T by giving heat Q, then specific heat capacity is given by

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 Q 
Cp =   and is called specific heat capacity of the gas at constant pressure.
 m T  constant pressure
If we take the amount of the gas 1 mole instead of its mass m then corresponding quantities are
called molar specific heat of the gas at constant volume and at constant pressure respectively. These
quantities are represented by CP and CV and CP – CV = R where R is universal gas constant. The
unit of specific heat capacity is J/kg – K and that of molar heat capacity is J/mol – K.

What are the specific heat capacities of an ideal gas for an isothermal and an adiabatic
process?

6. DEGREES OF FREEDOM

The degrees of freedom of a system is the number of independent quantities which must
be known to specify the position and configuration of the system completely
For example, if an ant moves along straight line we say that it has one degree of freedom. If the
same ant moves in a plane surface, it has two degrees of freedom since we require x and y co-ordinates to
specify its position at any instant. A bird moving in free space has 3 degrees of freedom.

A monatomic gas molecule has three degrees of freedom. As a point mass it can move along any of
three mutually perpendicular directions viz x, y or z axis. Its kinetic energy is the sum of the three terms
1 1 1
mv x2  mv y2  mv Z2
2 2 2

Let us consider a rigid body (not a point mass). Its moment of inertia about each of the three
mutually perpendicular axes passing through its centre of mass is not negligible. Then it has six degrees of
freedom (a) its centre of mass has three translational degrees of freedom of motion. (b) In addition to the
translational motion it can rotate about any of the three mutually perpendicular axes and hence it has
three degrees of freedom of rotational motion. Its total kinetic energy is the sum of six terms.

1 1 1 1 1 1
K.E.  mvx2  mvy2  mvz2  l x2x  Iy y  l z2z
2

2 2 2 2 2 2

In addition to the above it is possible for a body to have vibrational motion about its centre of
mass.

k
m1 m2

Let us consider two spheres of masses m1 and m2 connected by a spring of spring constant k. The
1
two spheres can vibrate about their common centre of mass. Its potential energy of vibrations is kx 2
2
1 mm
and the kinetic energy is v 2 , where   1 2 is its reduced mass. This type of body has three
2 m1 m2
degrees of freedom of translational motion, two degrees of freedom of rotational motion and one degree

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of freedom of vibrational motion. The number of degrees of freedom of rotational motion is two and not
three because its moment of inertia about a line passing the centres of the two spheres in small compared
to the moment of inertia about the other two axes.

If the two spheres are connected by a rigid rod instead of a spring the total number of degrees of
freedom is five i.e. three translational and two rotational. Diatomic molecules can be considered as two
spheres joined by a rigid rod just like a dumb-bell. This has five degrees of freedom, three translational and
two rotational.

For a triatomic molecule, the number of degrees of freedom could be five or six, three
translational and two rotational or three translational and three rotational depending on whether the
atoms are arranged linearly or not.

7. LAW OF EQUIPARTITION OF ENERGY

For a system in equilibrium at absolute temperature T, the average energy per molecule
1
corresponding to each degrees of freedom is kT.
2
Where k is Boltzman constant.
Since we already know that internal energy of an ideal gas is entirely the kinetic energy of
its molecules.
So internal energy of one mole of an ideal gas having f degrees of freedom.
1 1
U=Nf kT = f RT
2 2
Where R = kN where N is Avagadro number. If the gas is heated at constant volume until its
temperature rises by dT. Then heat given
dQ = (1) CV dT
Since dQ = dU , as volume is constant hence dW = 0
So dU = Cv dT
dU 1
CV =  fR
dT 2
f 
CP = CV + R =  1 R
2 

f 
  1 R
Ratio of the specific heat  = 
2  2
 1
f f
R
2

For a monoatomic gas which has only 3 (translational) degrees of freedom f = 3

3
CV = R
2

 3 5
CP =  1   k = R
 2 2

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2 5
 =1+ = = 1.67
f 3

For a diatomic gas which has 5 degrees of freedom (3 translational and 2 rotational), as
moment of inertia about the line joining the two atoms is negligibly small and so is the rotational
energy about that axis is zero So f = 5

5
CV = R
2

 5 7
CP = 1  R  R
 2 2

2
 =1+ = 1.40
f

For a polyatomic gas which has 6 degrees of freedom (3 translational and 3 rotational)
f=6
CV = 3R
CP = (3R + R) = 4 R

4
 = = 1.33
3

However if the atoms of the molecule are arranged linearly like the molecule of CO2 , then
degrees of freedom are again 5 and its CV, CP and  will be similar to those of the diatomic gases.

8. THERMODYNAMIC PROCESSES

8.1 ISOCHORIC PROCESS

Isochoric process is the process in which volume of the gas remains constant. Since in this process
volume remains constant, the work done in this process is equal to zero. Applying the
1st law of thermodynamics to this process we get

Q = U + W = U

So heat exchange in this process takes place at the expense of the internal energy of the system.

The P-V, V-T and P-T diagram for Isochoric process will be like the curves given below

P V P

V T T

8.2 ISOBARIC PROCESS

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Isobaric process is the process in which the pressure of the gas remains constant. In this case the
work done by the gas in changing its volume from V1 to V2 at constant pressure P is given by

V2 V2

W= 
V1
PdV = P  dV
V1
= P (V2 – V1)

Applying 1st law of thermodynamics to isobaric processes we get

Q = U + W

V2

Q = U + P dV 
V1

Q = U + P (V2 – V1)

The P-V V-T and P-T diagram for Isobaric process will be like the curves given below

a b
P b V b P
a

a
V T T

8.3 ISOTHERMAL PROCESS

An expansion or contraction of a gas, which occurs without change of temperature, is said to be

isothermal. During isothermal process, the temperature T remains constant while the volume V and
pressure P change. Since at constant temperature, there is no change in the internal energy of the gas the
quantity U in the equation, Q =  U +  W is zero and hence  Q =  W for an isothermal process. So
heat supplied during an isothermal expansion is equal to the work done by the gas in expanding. Similarly,
during an isothermal compression there must be a continual transfer of heat away from the gas in order to
keep the temperature constant and the heat transferred is equal to the work done in compressing the gas.
Isothermal changes usually take place very slowly. The equation representing an isothermal process is PV =
constant or P1V1 P2V2

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The P-V, T-V and T-P diagram for Isothermal process will be like the curves given below

P a T a b T b a

V V P

8.3.1 Work done during Isothermal Process

From the equation of an isothermal process we know, PV = nRT (constant). The work dW done
nRT
during a small expansion dV can be written as dW = P dV = dV and consequently during a finite
V
expansion from a volume V1 to volume V2 the work done is given by

V2
P
dV A

W  P dV  nRT
V
V 
1
T
B
V 
 nRT ln  2  , where n is the
 V1  D C
number of moles of gas involved. V1 V2 V

When converted from natural logarithms to those of base 10, the expression for the work done by
a gas during an isothermal expansion becomes

V 
W 2.303 nRT log10  2 
 V1 

V 2 P1 P 
Since  W  2.303 n RT log10  1 
V1 P2  P2 
Applying first law of thermodynamics to Isothermal processes we get
Q = U +W , but U = 0 for Isothermal processes.

Hence, Q = W for Isothermal processes.

V 
Q = 2.303 nRT log10  2 
 V1 

8.4 ADIABATIC PROCESS

When a gas expands or contracts without exchanging heat with the surrounding the process is
called adiabatic. Such a process is possible if the gas contained in a cylinder is completely insulated by a
perfect heat insulator so that no heat is absorbed from the surroundings during expansion or given off to
the surroundings during compression. In the relation, for an adiabatic change

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Q  U  W
Q  0 and hence
 U  W

The reduction in the internal energy of the gas (due to which the temperature falls) is equal to the
work done during an adiabatic expansion. Again during an adiabatic compression the work done on the gas
causes its temperature rise. Adiabatic processes are generally very fast.

8.4.1 Equations of Adiabatic Process

Consider one mole of an ideal gas undergoing adiabatic process. For the process we can write

U + W = 0
CVdT + PdV = 0 … (i)
Since equation of state for one mole of an ideal gas is given by
PV = RT … (ii)
where P, V, T are pressure, volume and temperature of the gas.
Differentiating (ii) we get

PdV VdP
dT =
R

 PdV  VdP 
So CV    PdV  0
 R 

 C  C 
 PdV 1 V   VdP  V  = 0
 R   R 

dV dP
 CP  CV =0
V P
dV dP
 CP  CV 0
V P
Cp dV dP
  =0
Cv V P
dV dP
   0
V P
Integrating we get
 lnV + lnP = constant

or PV  = constant

RT
which is the equation of adiabatic process. Putting P =
V
we get TV –1 = constant which is the equation of adiabatic process in terms of temperature and
volume.
The P-V, T-V and P-T diagrams for adiabatic process will be like the curves given below

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P a T a P
b

b b a

V V T

8.4.2 Work done during an Adiabatic Process

The work done by n moles of an ideal gas during adiabatic expansion is equal to the loss of its
internal energy

nR P V  P2V2
nCV (T1  T2 )  (T1  T2 )  1 1
 1  1

where Cv is the molar heat capacity at constant volume.

Applying 1st law of thermodynamic to adiabatic processes we get
Q = U + W , but Q = 0 for adiabatic processes
Hence, U = –W

8.5 ISOTHERMAL AND ADIABATIC CURVES

The relation between the pressure and volume of a gas can be represented graphically. The curve
for an isothermal process is called isothermal curve or an isotherm and there are different isotherms for
different temperatures for a given gas. A similar curve for an adiabatic process is called an adiabatic curve
or adiabatic.

 dP  P  dP  P
Since   isothermal = – and   adiabatic = – 
 dV  V  dV  V

 dP   dP 
So   adiabatic =    isothermal
 dV   dV 

Since  > 1, so adiabatic curve is steeper than the isothermal curve.

To permit comparison between isothermal and adiabatic

process an isothermal curve and an adiabatic curve of the gas are
Isothermal
drawn on the same pressure-volume diagram starting from the
Pressure

same point.
Adiabatic

Volume

Note: The work done in different processes can also be compared by drawing the P-V diagram
for various process as shown below.

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P b

c
a d

where a is isochoric process, b is isobaric process, c is isothermal process and d is adiabatic

process. Needless to say work done in an isobaric process is maximum and in adiabatic
process it is minimum, for a given change in volume.

8.6 CYCLIC PROCESS AND EFFICIENCY CALCULATION

When a system after passing through various intermediate steps returns to its original state,
then it is called a cyclic process.
Suppose a gas enclosed in a cylinder is expanded
from initial state A to final state B along the path AXB as A
shown in the figure. X
P
If W1 be the work done by the system during B
y
expansion, then
W1 = + Area AXBCDA D C
V

Now let the gas be compressed from state B to state A along the path BYA, so as to return
the system to the initial state. If W2 be the work done on the system during compression, then
W2 = – Area BYADCB
According to sign convention, work done on the system during compression is negative. So
net work done in the cyclic process AXBYA
W = Area AXBCDA – Area BYADCB = Area AXBYA
Which is a positive quantity and hence net work will be done by the system.
So the net amount of work done during a cyclic process is equal to the area enclosed by the
cyclic path. It is also evident from the figure that if the cyclic path is being traced in anticlockwise
direction, the expansion curve will be below the compression curve and net work done during the
process will be negative. This implies that the net work will now be done on the system. Applying
first law of thermodynamics to cyclic process we get

Q = U + W

but U = 0 for a cyclic process

So Q = W
Sometimes in numerical problems we have to deal with efficiency calculation in cyclic
process. Since efficiency of process is given as
work done
=
Heat taken

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We can solve the problem quickly by replacing work done by net heat exchanged, as for a
cyclic process Q = W . So if we can calculate heat exchanged in individual processes, there is no
need to calculate work done separately.

Can work be done by a system without changing its volume?

Illustration 12

Question: A sample of an ideal gas has pressure P0 = 100 N/m2 volume V0 = 10 m3 and temperature T0. It
is isothermally expanded to twice its original volume. It is then compressed at constant
pressure to have the original volume V0. Finally, the gas is heated at constant volume to get the
original temperature (a) show the process in a V-T diagram (b) Calculate the heat absorbed in
the process.
Solution: (a) The V-T diagram for the process is shown in figure. V b
The initial state is represented by the point a. In the first 2V0
step, it is isothermally expanded to a volume 2V0. This is
shown in ab. Then the pressure is kept constant and the
gas is compressed to the volume V0. From the ideal gas V0 c a
equation, V/T is constant at constant pressure. Hence, the
process is shown by a line bc which passes through the
origin. At point c, the volume is V0. In the final step, the T0 T
gas is heated at constant volume to a temperature T0. This
is shown by ca. The final state is the same as the initial
state.
(b) The process is cyclic so that the change in internal energy is zero. The heat supplied is, therefore,
equal to the work done by the gas. The work done during ab is
2V0
W1 = nRT0 ln = nRT0 ln 2 = P0V0 ln 2
V0

Also from the ideal gas equation,

PaVa P0V0 P0V0 P0
PaVa = PbVb Or, Pb    
Vb Vb 2V0 2

In the step bc, the pressure remains constant. Hence the work done is,
P0 PV
W2 = (V0  2V0 )   0 0
2 2
In the step ca, the volume remains constant and so the work done is zero. The net work done by the
gas in the cyclic process is
W = W1 + W2 = P0V0 [ln 2 – 0.5]
= 0.193 P0V0 = 0.193  100  10 = 193 J
Hence, the heat supplied to the gas is 193 J.

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Illustration 13

Question: An experiment is performed to measure the molar heat capacity of a gas at constant pressure
using Regnault’s method. The gas is initially contained in a cubical reservoir of size 40 cm × 40
cm × 40 cm at 600 kPa at 27°C. A part of the gas is brought out, heated to 100°C and is passed
through a calorimeter at constant pressure. The water equivalent of the calorimeter and its
contents is 100 g. The temperature of the calorimeter and its contents increases from 20°C to
30°C during the experiment and the pressure in the reservoir decreases to 525 kPa. Specific
heat capacity of water = 4200 J/kg-K. Calculate the molar heat capacity Cp from these data.

PV PV
Solution: We have PV = nRT or, n = . The amount of the gas in the reservoir is n1 = 1 before the gas is
RT RT
P2V
taken out and n2 = after the gas is taken out. The amount taken out is
RT

V
n = n1 – n2 = (P1 – P2)
RT

(600  525 )  10 3 N / m2  ( 40  10 2 m)3

= = 1.925 mol.
(8.3 J / mol  K )  (300 K )

The gas is heated to 100°C and it cools down as it passes through the calorimeter. The average final
20 C  30 C
temperature of the gas is = 25°C. Thus, the average decrease in temperature of the gas
2
is

T = (100°C – 25°C) = 75°C

or T = 75 K

The heat lost by the gas is

Q = n Cp T

The heat gained by the calorimeter and its contents is (100g) (4200 J/kg –K) (30 – 20)°C
= 4200 J

Thus, n CpT = 4200 J

4200 J
Or, Cp  = 29 J/mol-K
(1.925 mol ) (75 K )

Illustration 14

Question: Two moles of helium gas ( = 5/3) are initially at 27°C and occupy a volume of
20 litres. The gas is first expanded at constant pressure until the volume is doubled. Then it
undergoes an adiabatic change until the temperature returns to its initial value. (a) Sketch the
process in a p – V diagram. (b) What is the final volume and pressure of the gas? (c) What is
the work done by the gas?

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Solution: (a) The process is shown in figure. During the part ab, the pressure is constant.

pa Va pbVb
we have, 
Ta Tb

Vb
or, Tb = Ta  2Ta = 600 K
Va

During the part bc, the gas is adiabatically returned to the P

temperature Ta. The point a and the point c are on the same a b
isotherm. Thus, we draw an adiabatic curve from b and an
isotherm from a and look for the point of intersection c. adiabatic
That is the final state. Isotherm
c
(b) From the isotherm ac,
20 40 V
PaVa = PcVc … (i) litre litre
and from the adiabatic curve bc,

P bV  b = P c V c 

or Pa (2Va) = PcVc. … (ii)

Dividing (ii) by (i),

2(Va)-1 = (Vc) -1

or, Vc = 2/(-1) Va = 4 2 Va = 113 litres.

PaVa nRT a
From (i), Pc = 
Vc Vc

2 mol  (8.3 J/mol  K )  (300 K )

= 3
= 4.4 × 104 Pa.
113  10 3
m

(c) Work done by the gas in the part ab

= Pa (Vb – Va)

= nRT2 – nRT1

= 2 mol × (8.3 J/mol-K) × (600 K – 300 K) = 4980 J

Pb Vb  PcVc
The work done in the adiabatic part bc =
 1

nR (T2 T1) 4980 J

= = = 7470 J
 1 5/3 1

The net work done by the gas

= 4980 J + 7470 J

= 12450 J

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-34

PROFICIENCY TEST II

The following questions deal with the basic concepts of this section. Answer the following
briefly. Go to the next section only if your score is at least 80%. Do not consult the Study
Material while attempting these questions.

1. An amount Q of heat is added to a monatomic ideal gas in a process in which the gas performs a
Q
work on its surrounding. Find the molar heat capacity for the process.
2

2. Two ideal gases have the same value of CP /CV =  . What will be the value of this ratio for a mixture
of the two gases in the ratio 1 : 2

3. When the state of a thermodynamical system changes from A to B adiabatically the work done on
the system is 322 Joule. If the state of the same system is changed from A to B by another process
and 100 calories of heat is required then find the work done on the system in this process.

4. A vessel containing 1 gm oxygen at a pressure of 10 atm and a temperature of 47°C. It is found that
5
because of a leak, the pressure drops to th of its original value and temperature falls to 27°C.
8
Find the volume of the vessel and the mass of oxygen that has leaked out.

5. For an ideal gas if the molar heat capacity varies as C = CV + 3aT2. Find the equation of the process
in terms of temperature T and volume V. Where a is a constant.

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-36

ANSWERS TO PROFICIENCY TEST II

1. 3R

2. 

3. 98 J

4. 0.082 litre, 0.33 gm

 3a  2
 T
 2R 
5. V .e = constant

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-37

SOLVED OBJECTIVE EXAMPLES

Example 1:

Two Identical rectangular strips one of the copper and the other of steel are riveted together
to form a bimetallic strip. On heating, the strip will
(a) remain straight (b) bend with copper on convex side

(c) bend with steel on convex side (d) get twisted

Solution:

The linear expansivity of copper is greater than that of steel and hence on heating there will be
differential expansion, copper having more than that of steel. This will make copper strip to form the
outer convex edge of the arc.

 (b)

Example 2:

540 g of ice at 0 C is mixed with 540 g of water at 80 C. The final temperature of the mixture
in C is
(a) 0 (b) 40 (c) 80 (d) 25

Solution:
o o
The possible quantity of heat that will be released by 540g of water at 80 C cooling down to 0 C, is
o
540 x 1 x 80 = 540 x 80 cal. To melt 540 g of ice at 0 C heat required = 540 x 80 cal. Hence the
o
mixture will remain as water at 0 C.

 (a)

Example 3:

Two rods of different materials having coefficients of thermal expansion a1, a2 and Young’s
module Y1, Y2 respectively are fixed between two rigid massive walls. The rods are heated
such that they undergo the same increase in temperature. There is no bending of the rods.
If a1  a2 = 2 3, the thermal stressed developed in the two rods are equal provided Y1  Y2 is
equal to

(a) 2  3 (b) 1  1 (c) 3  2 (d) 4  9

Solution:

L1  La1T

L2  La 2 T

L1 a1 2
 
L2 a2 3

For thermal stresses to be equal,

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L1 L2 Y1 L2 3

Y1  Y2 ,  
L L Y2 L1 2

 (c)

Example 4:

If the temperature of a radiating body increases by 50%, the increase in its radiation is

(a) 50% (b) 100% (c) 200% (d) 400%

Solution:

E = T 4

T becomes 1.5 T.

 E    (1.5T ) 4  T 4 x (1.5) 4  5.06T 4

i.e., E  - E = 4.06 = 406%

 increase in radiation is about 400%

 (d)

Example 5:

If a body takes 6 minutes to cool from 80°C to 70°C, how long will it take to cool from 60°C to
50°C, if the surrounding temperature is 25°C?

(a) 6 min (b) 8 min (c) 10.min (d) 12 min

Solution:

As per Newton’s law of cooling,

80  70
 25 Rate of cooling R1
2

60  50
 25 Rate of cooling R2
2

R1  50; R2  30
R1 5

R2 3

1
But time of cooling is proportional to
R

R1 t 2 5 5 5
   (i .e., )t 2  t 1 = x 6
R2 t1 3 3 3

= 10 min

 (c)

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Example 6:

In an arbitrary scale of temperature, water freezes at 40° and boils at 290°. What is the boiling
point of a liquid in this scale if it boils at 62°C?

(a) 219° (b) 144° (c) 150° (d) 195°

Solution:

  40 62
 x 250  40
o
= 155 + 40 =195
290  40 100

 (d)

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-40

Example 7:

The amount of heat conducted out per second through a window, when inside temperature is
10°C and outside temperature is -10°C, is 750 J. Same heat will be conducted through the
window when outside temperature is -13°C and inside temperature is

(a) 230 K (b) 240 K (c) 280 K (d) 286 K

Solution:

o
Outside temperature = –13 C = 260K

Temperature difference for same heat transfer = 10 – (–10)

o
= 20 C (or 20 K)

 (b) & (c)

Example 8:

Two metal rods A and B of equal lengths and equal cross-sectional areas are joined end-to-
end. The coefficients of thermal conductivities of A and B are in the ratio 2 : 3. When the free
end of A is maintained at 100°C and the free end of B is maintained at 0°C, the temperature of
the junction is

(a) 30°C (b) 40°C (c) 50°C (d) 60°C

Solution:

Let the temperature of the junction be ‘t ’. A B

Under thermal equilibrium,

100°C t°C 0°C
K A (100  t )  K B (t  0 )

 2 (100° – t ) = 3 (t)

 t = 40°C

 (b)

Example 9:

70 J of heat is required to raise the temperature of an ideal diatomic gas at constant pressure
from 30C to 35C. The amount of heat required (in joules) to raise the temperature of the
same gas through the same range (30C to 35C) at constant volume is

(a) 30 (b) 50 (c) 70 (d) 90

Solution:

Heat required at constant pressure to raise the temperature by T : Q1 = nCp T

Heat required at constant volume for the same rise in temperature: Q2 = nCv T

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-41

Q 2 nC v T C v 1 5
    
Q1 nC p T C p  7

5 5
 Q2   Q1   70  50 J .
7 7

 (b)

Example 10:

Molar specific heat at constant pressure for a diatomic gas is

5 7 3
(a) R (b) R (c) 4 R (d) R
2 2 2

Solution:

(b)

Example 11:

A closed vessel is initially evacuated and then a vapour is injected into it at a uniform rate.
The pressure in the vessel

(a) first increases and then decreases

(b) increases continuously

(c) first increases and then becomes constant

(d) first decreases and then increases continuously

Solution:

As the vapour is injected, the pressure gradually increases till it reaches the saturation value.
Subsequently excess vapour condenses and the pressure remains at saturation vapour pressure.

 (c)

Example 12:

A given quantity of gas can be taken from a state p1,V1 to a state p2 ,V2 by two different
processes. Let Q and W represent the heat supplied to the gas and the work done by the
gas respectively. Which of the following must be a constant for both processes?

(a) Q  W (b) Q (c) W (d) Q  W

Solution:

As initial and final temperatures are fixed, U = constant

Q = W + U  U = Q – W = constant

 (d)

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-42

Example 13:

A monatomic gas initially at 17C is suddenly compressed to one eighth of its original
volume. The temperature after compression is

(a) 887 K (b) 36.25 K (c) 2320 K (d) 1160 K

Solution:

Sudden compression is adiabatic for which T1V1 1T2V2 1

 1 2
V 
 T2 = T1  1  = 290  8 3 = 290  4 = 1160 K
 V2 

 (d)

Example 14:

A gas is taken through a cyclic process ABCA as

v (cm3)
shown in the Figure. If 3.6 calories of heat is given
in the process, one calorie is equivalent to C
850
(a) 4.20 J (b) 4.19 J

650 B
(c) 4.18 J (d) 4.17 J A

250 400  (kPa)

Solution:

Heat given = Work done in the process

1 –6
 (400 – 250)  10  (850 – 650)  10
3
=
2

1 –3
=  150  200  10 = 15 J  3.6 cal.
2

15
 1 cal = = 4.17 J.
3 .6

 (d)

Example 15:

A quantity of oxygen (  1.4) is compressed isothermally until its pressure is doubled. It is

then allowed to expand adiabatically until its original volume is restored. The final pressure
in terms of initial pressure P1 is

(a) 1.2P1 (b) P1 (c) 0.8P1 (d) 0.5P1

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Solution:

For an isothermal process,

P1V1 = P2V2 = 2P1V2

V1
V2 =
2

For an adiabatic process,

P2V2  P3V3


V 
2P1 1  P3 (V1 ) 
2

P1
Final pressure, P3 = 21  P1  2 (11.4) P1  = 0.8 P1.
2 0.4

 (c)

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-44

SOLVED SUBJECTIVE EXAMPLES

Example 1:

The metal scale of a barometer gives correct reading at 0°C. Coefficient of thermal expansion
of brass is 0.00246914. The barometer reads 75 cm at 27°C. What is the correct atmospheric
pressure at 27°C?

Solution:

Since the metallic scale has expanded during increase in temperature a positive correction has to be
applied equal to

L0 T = (75 cm) (0.00246914) (27°C)

= 5 cm

The corrected reading = 75 cm + 5 cm

 atmospheric pressure at 27°C = 80 cm of mercury column.

Example 2:

Two rods of different metals having the same area of

2
cross- section A = 1m are placed end to end between
two massive walls, as shown in the figure. The first
rod has a length L1 = 1m coefficient of linear
–6 0
expansion 1 =10 / C and Young's modulus Y1 = 10
12

2
N/m . The corresponding quantities for the second
–6 0
rod are L2=2m, 2 = 4  10 / C and Y2 = 4  10 N/m .
12 2 L1 L2

The temperature of both the rods is now increased by

T°C = 200k is x  10 N. Find x. The force with which
8

the rods act on each other. Assume that there is no

change in the cross-sectional area of the rods and
that the rods do not bend, There is no deformation of
the walls.

Solution:


When the rods are heated through T C they suffer expansion in length.

Increase in length of the first rod = L1 1T

Increase in length of the second rod = L2  2T

Since the rods are not allowed to expand, they develop thermal stresses which act on each other
due to which they get compressed by lengths x1 and x 2 respectively.

Let F be the force of compression exerted by first rod on second and F is also the force of
compression exerted by the second rod on first. Now

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-45

FL1
x1 
AY1

FL2
x2 
AY2

F  L1 L2 
Total compression of both rods x1  x 2    
A  Y1 Y2 

Total expansion of both rods to heating = L11T L2  2T

It is given that the total length of the rods have not been changed as the walls do not yield.

 Total extension = Total compression

F  L1 L2 
L1 1T  L2  2T    
A  Y1 Y2 

AT (L1 1  L2  2 ) AT (L11  L22 ) Y1Y2

Now, F  =
L1 L2 L1Y2  L2Y1

Y1 Y2


 
1 200 1 10 6  2  4  10 6 10 12  4  10 12
 12  10 8 N
1 4  10 12  2  10 12

x = 12

Example 3:

A block of wood is floating on water at 0° C with a certain volume V above the water level.
The temperature of water is slowly raised from 0°C to 20°C. How will the volume V change
with temperature?

Solution:

When the temperature of water at 0°C is increased its density increases and at 4° C the density
becomes maximum. After 4° C the density decreases with temperature.

From 0°C to 4°C the volume of displaced water gradually decreases (to keep the mass of displaced
water constant) and hence V gradually increases.

From 4°C to 20°C the volume of displaced water increases and hence V decreases.

Example 4

A one litre flask contains some mercury. It is found that at different temperatures the volume
of air inside the flask remains the same. What is the volume of mercury in the flask? Coefficient
–6
of linear expansion of glass = 9 × 10 / °C. Coefficient of volume expansion of mercury
–4
= 1.8 × 10 /°C

Solution:

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It is given that the volume of air in the flask remains the same. This means the expansion in volume
of the vessel is exactly equal to the expansion in volume of mercury.

Let V be the volume of the flask and v be the volume of mercury in it.

Now for a temperature rise T

V (3  9  106 ) T  v (1.8  104 ) T

V  27  10 6
v=
1.8  10  4

27
  1000 (V  1000 cm 3 ) = 150 cm
3
180

Example 5:

A calorimeter contains 0.2 kg of water at 30°C. 0.1 kg of water at 60°C is added to it, the
mixture is well stirred and the resulting temperature is found to be 35°C. Find the thermal
capacity of the calorimeter. Specific heat capacity of water = 4.2 kJ/kgK.

Solution:

Let the thermal capacity of calorimeter be x.

The specific heat capacity of water = 4200 J/kgK.

The total thermal capacity of calorimeter + 0.2 kg of water originally contained in it

=[x + 0.2  4200] J/°C (or J/K)

The quantity of heat gained by calorimeter and water,

Q = Thermal capacity  rise in temperature

= (x + 840) (35°C – 30°C) = 5(x + 840) J

= 420  25 J = 10500 J

From the principle of mixtures, heat gained by calorimeter and contents = heat lost by hot water
added to it provided there is no heat loss by conduction, radiation, etc.

 5(x + 840) = 10500

x + 840 = 2100

x = 2100 – 840 = 1260 J/K

Example 6:

A copper calorimeter of water equivalent 60 g contains 600 g of water at 30C. The

calorimeter and contents are given a supply of heat at the rate of 100 cal/s. No heat is lost to
the surroundings from the calorimeter. Find

(i) the time taken to bring the water to its boiling point and

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(ii) the time required to boil away 50 g of water. Specific heat capacity of water = 1
cal/gC.

Latent heat of steam = 540 cal/g.

Solution:

The water equivalent of calorimeter = 60 g

Calorimeter + water contained in it are together equivalent to 60 + 600 = 660 g of water.

Heat required to raise the temperature of water from 30C to 100C

Q = mcT

= 660  1  70 cal.

660  70
Time required to get this amount of heat supply = s = 7 min 42 s
100

Now to boil away 50 g of water at its boiling point the quantity of heat required

= mL = 50  540 cal

50  540
The time required for the supply of this heat = s
100

= 270 s = 4 min 30 s

Total time required = 7 min 42 min 42 s + 4 min 30 s = 12 min 12 s.

Example 7:

Three rods of material x and three rods of C

material y are connected as shown. All the
x x
rods are of identical length and cross-
sectional area. If the end A is maintained at A y B E
60C and the junction E at 10C, calculate x
60°C 10°C
the temperatures of the junctions B, C and
y y
D. The thermal conductivity of x is
0.92 c.g.s. units and that of y is 0.46 c.g.s. D
units.

Solution:

Since the end A or rod AB is maintained at a temperature higher than the end B heat is conducted
from A to B.

Now the total heat-entering junction B is equal to the total heat leaving it (all by conduction alone).

Let the temperatures of junctions B, C and D be T1, T2 and T3 respectively.

Let the cross-sectional area of each rod be A and the length of each rod be d.

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k y A (60  T1 )
Then, heat entering joint B per second =
d

A
= k y (60  T1 )
d

Heat leaving B per second = heat passing trough BC + heat passing through BD

(T1  T 2 ) (T  T3 )
= Kx  A  Ky  A  1
d d

A A A
Now, k y (60  T1 ) = K x  (T1  T2 )  K y  (T1  T3 )
d d d

and Kx = 2Ky

 60  T1  2(T1  T2 )  (T1  T3 )

or 4T1  2T2  T3  60 .... (i)

Similarly for junction C

(T1  T2 ) (T  10 ) (T  T3 )
Kx  A = Kx  A  2  Kx  A  2
d d d

or T1  T2 = T2  10 + T2  T3

or T1  3T2  T3  10 .... (ii)

For junction D

(T1  T3 ) (T  T2 ) (T  10 )
Ky  A  = Kx  A 3  Ky  A  3
d d d

T1  T3 = 2( T3  T2 )  T3  10

T1  2T2  4T3  10 .... (iii)

Solving equations (1), (2) and (3), we get

T1= 30C; T2 = 20C; T3 = 20 C.

Temperature of junction B = 30C

Temperature of junction C = 20C

Temperature of junction D = 20C

Example 8:

Equal volumes of two liquids A and B are allowed to cool from 80 C to 60 C the time taken
being 12 minutes and 16 minutes. The relative densities of two liquids are 1.1 and 1.02
respectively. The specific heat capacity of liquid A is 2300 J/kg/K. Calculate the specific heat
capacity of liquid B.

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Solution:

At the instant let be the temperature above that of room temperature.

d
Then by Newton’s law of cooling  
dt

d d
The rate at which a mass m of liquid loses heat  mc   k
dt dt

d
where c is the specific heat capacity of the liquid  mc = k
dt

2
d
Integrating, kt =  mc  
1

or kt = mc[log 1 – log 2]

Let mA, mB represent the respective masses and cA and cB the respective specific heat capacities of
A and B, then

tA m c
 A A since 1 and 2 are the same for both the liquids.
tB mB c B

Since the volumes of both the liquids are the same

m A V  A Relative density of A 1.1

  
mB V  B Relative density of B 1.02

Substituting the known values

12 1.1 2300
 
16 1.02 cB

1.1 16 –1 –1
cB = 2300  = 3307 J kg K
1.02 12

Example 9:

A rod of length l = 0.693m with thermally insulated lateral surface consists of material whose
2 w
heat conductivity coefficient varies with temperature as k = , where T is temperature in
T k
kelvine. The ends of the rod are kept at temperature T1 = 400 2k and T2 = 200 2 . Find the
heat flow density in J/s and temperature in Kelvin at the mid point of the rod. [ln 2 = 0.693]

Solution:

k dT 2 dT
The quantity of heat flowing per unit area per second Q =  
dx T dx

l T
dT
In steady state  Qdx    2 T
0 2T

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T 
2 loge  1 
Q=  T2  = 2 J/s … (i)
l

At a distance x from the end whose temperature is T,

 T 
Q x =  2 log e 1  … (ii)
 T 

From equations (i) and (ii)

x T 
log e T  log e  2   log e T1
l  T1 

 T 
x/l 
loge T = log e T1  2  
  T1  
 

1
x/l
T   200 2  2
T(x) = T1  2   400 2   = 400 k
 T1   400 2 

Example 10:

A given amount of gas is heated until its volume is doubled at constant pressure. If the initial
temperature was 27°C, what is the final temperature?

Solution:

V1 = V

T1 = (27 + 273) K = 300 K

V2 = 2V

V1 V2
T2 = ? =
T1 T2

V2T1 2V  300
T2 = = = 600 K = (600 – 273) = 327°C
V1 V

Example 11:
1/3
An air bubble starts rising from the bottom of a lake. Its radius is (5.168) mm at the bottom
and 2 mm at the surface. The depth of the lake is 4.664 m and the temperature in Kelvin at the
surface is 47°C. What is the temperature at the bottom of the lake? Atmospheric pressure =
2 3
76 cm of mercury, g = 9.8 m/s , density of mercury = 13600 mg/m , density of water = 1000
3
mg/m

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Solution:

Let us first evaluate the atmospheric pressure in terms of water barometer. If hw, dw be the height of
water barometer and density of water respectively hm and dm the corresponding quantities in terms
of mercury, then

hw d w g  hm d m g

hm d m 0.76  13600
or hw  
dw 1000

= 10.336 m of water

 the atmospheric pressure at the surface of the lake = 10.336 m of water.

Assuming the density of water uniform over its depth, the pressure at the bottom of the lake

= (Atmospheric pressure + depth of water) m of water

= (10.336 + 4.664) m of water

= 15 m of water

Applying the gas equation to the conditions of the bubble at the bottom and top of the lake

P1V1 P2 V2

T1 T2

15 
4
3

5.168 1/ 3 10 3 
3
10 .336 
4
3
(2  10 3 ) 3

T1 T2

15  5.168 10 .336  8
 
T1 320

T1 = 300 K

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-52

Example 12:

A vertical cylinder of total length 100 cm is closed at the lower end and is fitted with a
movable frictionless and gas tight disc at the other end. An ideal gas is trapped under the
disc. Initially, the height of the gas column is 90cm when the disc is in equilibrium between
the gas and atmosphere. Mercury is then slowly poured on the top of the disc and it just
starts overflowing when the disc has descended through 32 cm. The atmospheric pressure is
–3
x  10 cm. Find x. Assume the temperature of gas to remain constant and neglect the
thickness and weight of the disc.

Solution:

In the first case, the disc alone is in equilibrium with the compressed gas inside the cylinder .

In the second case, mercury standing over the disc is in equilibrium with the further compressed gas
in the cylinder.

P0 = atmospheric
pressure
A P0 A
10 cm

42 cm
D1 Hg
32 cm
P1 D2
90 cm

P2
58 cm

gas gas
B
B

Let P0 be the atmospheric pressure and A the cross-section of the tube.

In the first case,

Volume of the gas, V1= 90 A

Pressure of the gas P1 = P0

Since the weight of the disc is to be neglected.

In the second case,

Volume of the compressed gas = 58 A

Pressure of the gas = P0 + (42) cm of mercury

By applying Boyle’s law,

(P0 + 42) 58A = P0  90A

90 P0 – 58 P0 = 2436

32 P0 = 2436

P0 = 76.125 cm of mercury

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-53

–3
Atmospheric pressure = 76.125 cm of mercury = 76125  10 cm

 x = 76125

Example 13:

A certain mass of the helium gas is at 0 C . It is suddenly expanded to twice its volume. Find
5
the temperature after expansion if the ratio of the specific heats of the gas   .
3

Solution:

The temperature-volume relation of an adiabatic change can be given as T1V1 1  T 2V2 1

V2
In this case, T1  0  C  273 K 2
V1

 1 5
1 2/3
T2  V1   13  1
      
T1  V2   
2 2

2/3
 1
T2  T1    273  0.63  172 K  (172  273 )  C = –101°C
2

Example 14:
o
A mass of 8 g of oxygen at the pressure of one atmosphere and at temperature 27 is
enclosed in a cylinder fitted with a frictionless piston. The following operations are
performed in the order given:
o
(A) The gas is heated at constant pressure to 127 C,

(B) then it is compressed isothermally to its initial volume and

(C) finally it is cooled to its initial temperature at constant volume.

(a) What is the heat absorbed by the gas during process (A) ?

(b) How much work is done by the gas in process (A) ?

(c) What is the work done on the gas in process (B) ?

(d) How much heat is extracted from the gas in process (C) ?

[Specific heat capacity of oxygen Cv = 670 J/kgK;

5 2
Molecular weight of oxygen = 32; 1 atm = 1.04 x 10 N/m ; R = 8.30 J/k-mole

Solution:

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-54

8 300 560 P
VA   22.4  litre   10 3 m 3 C 400 K
32 273 91

C B
400 4
VB  VA   VA
300 3 A B 400 K

1
VB  VA  VA V
3

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(a) dQ = dU + dW = mCv  T + p( VB  VA )

8  560 x 10 3 
= x 670 x 100  1.04 x 10 5 x    536  2080 = 744 J
1000  3 x 91 

(b) dW = p( VB  VA ) = 208 J

m V
(c) Work done in compressing the gas isothermally = RT log e B
M VA

8 4
= x 8.30 x 400 log e = 830x0.2879 = 239 J
32 3

8
(d) Heat given out by the gas in stage (c) = mC v T  x 670 x 100 = 536 J
1000

Example 15:

When a system is taken from state a to state b along the p

path acb it is found that a quantity of heat Q = 200 J is
absorbed by the system and a work W = 80 J is done by c b
it. Along the path adb, Q = 144 J.

(i) What is the work done along the path adb?

a d
(ii) If the work done on the system along the curved
path ba is 52 J, does the system absorb or v
liberate heat and how much?

(iii) If Ua = 40 J, what is Ub ?

(iv) If Ud = 88 J, what is Q for the path db and ad?

Solution:

From the first law of thermodynamics, we have

Q= U+ W

Q = (Ub – Ua) + W

Where Ub is the internal energy in the state b and Ua is the internal energy in the state a.

For the path acb, it is given that

Q = 200 J (absorption) and

W = 80 J (work done by the system)

 Ub – Ua = Q – W = 200 – 80 = 120 J

which is the increase in the internal energy of the system for the path acb. Whatever be the path
between a and b the change in the internal energy will be 120 J only.

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(i) To determine the work done along the path adb

Q = 144 J

 U = Ub – Ua = 120 J

Q = (Ub – Ua) + W

or 144 = 120 + W (or) W = 24 J

Since W is positive, work is done by the system.

(ii) For the curved return path ba, it is given that

W = – 52 J (work done on the system)

U = –120 J (negative since U = (Ub – Ua)

 Q = – (Ub – Ua) + W = (–120-52) J = –172 J

Negative sign indicates heat is extracted out of the system.

(iii) Since Ub – Ua = 120 J and Ua = 40 J

Ub = Ua + 120 = 40 + 120 = 160 J

(iv) For the path db, the process is isochoric since it is at constant volume.

Work done is zero.

Q = U + W = U = Ub – Ud = 160 - 88 = 72 J

For the path ad.

Q = Qadb – Qdb = 144 J – 72 J = 72 J

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-58

MIND MAP

1. Thermal Expansion 3. Thermometry

l = l 0 (1 + T)
=
S = S0 (1 +  T )

V = V0 (1 + T )
4. Calorimetry
::::1:2:3
Heat given = Heat taken

Q = ms  is used for heat given to raise

2. C = C + 3 temperature.

where C is coefficient of real expansion &

THERMAL PHYSICS

5. Rate of Heat flow through conduction in 8. Specific heat capacity of gas is process
steady state dependent

CP – CV = R

CP/CV = 
Net rate of loss of energy by radiation
4 4
per unit area per second = e (T1 – T2 )
9. Energy of a mole of an ideal gas per
Newton’s law of cooling
degree of freedom = RT

For

Weins displacement law: monoatomic gas  = 1.67

mT = b (constant) diatomic gas  = 1.40

polyatomic gas  = 1.33 or 1.4

6. Ideal gas Laws

Boyle’s law : PV = constant 10. Equation of isothermal process:

–1
Charls law: VT = constant PV = constant

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-59

EXERCISE – I

AIEEE-SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT

1. 200 gram of water at 48°C is mixed with 100 gram of water at 30°C. The resulting
temperature of water is
(a) 39°C (b) 42°C (c) 36°C (d) 45°C

2. A block of metal foil is warmed by radiation from a small sphere at temperature T and at a
distance d. The power received by the foil is P. If both the temperature and the distance
are doubled, the power received by the foil will be
(a) 2 P (b) P (c) 16 P (d) 4 P

3. A body cools from 90°C to 80°C in 10 minutes when the room temperature is 25°C. The
same body will cool from 80°C to 70°C in
1
(a) 22.5 minutes (b) 12 minutes (c) 8 minutes (d) 15 minutes
3

4. Two bodies A and B of same emissivity are placed in an evacuated vessel maintained at a
temperature of 27°C. The temperature of A is 327°C and that of B is 127°C. The rates of
heat loss from A and B will be nearly in the ratio
(a) 5 : 1 (b) 4 : 1 (c) 7 : 1 (d) 3 : 2

5. A gas occupies 1.5 m3 at 0°C. If the temperature is raised to 273° C without altering the
pressure, the new volume of the gas will be
(a) 1.5 m3 (b) 2 m3 (c) 3 m3 (d) 0.75 m3

6. If an annular disc of radii r1 and r2 is heated, then

(a) r1 increases, r2 decreases r1
(b) r2 increases, r1 decreases r2
(c) both r1 and r2 increase
(d) r2 increases, r1 remains unchanged

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7. Which of the substances A, B or C has the highest A

temperature T
specific heat? The temperature vs time graph is
B
shown in the figure.
(a) A C
(b) B
time, t
(c) C
(d) all have equal specific heat

8. The pressure of a gas kept in an isothermal container is 200 KPa. If half of the gas is
removed from it, the pressure will be

(a) 800 K Pa (b) 400 K Pa (c) 200 K Pa (d) 100 K Pa

9. The correct relation connecting the universal gas constant (R), Avogadro number N and
Boltzmann constant (K) is

(a) R= NK2 (b) K= NR (c) N= RK (d) R= NK

10. A heated body emits radiation which has maximum intensity near the wavelength . The
emissivity of the material is 0.5. If the absolute temperature of the body is doubled, the
maximum intensity of radiation will be near the wavelength


(a) 2 (b) (c) 16  (d) 8 
2

11. If the maximum emission wavelength of radiations emitted by the moon and the sun are
10–4 m and 0.5  10–6 m respectively, then the ratio of temperature of the sun and the moon
will be

(a) 1/100 (b) 200/1 (c) 1/200 (d) 100/1

12. If the length of a cylinder on heating increases by 2%, the area of its base will increase by

(a) 0.5 % (b) 2% (c) 1% (d) 4%

13. A wooden box is made of a 2 cm thick plank and has inner dimensions of 100 cm 60
cm60cm. The external temperature is 250C. If the box is used as an ice box, the rate at
which ice will melt is (Kwood = 0.0004 cal/cm/0C and Lice =80 cal/g)

(a) 2.95 g/s (b) 3.95 g/s (c) 2.02 g/s (d) 1.95 g/s

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14. At 27°C a gas is compressed suddenly such that its pressure becomes (1/8) of its original
pressure. Final temperature will be ( = 5/3)
(a) 420 K (b) 300 K (c) –142°C (d) 327° C

15. A block of steel heated at 100C is left in a room to

cool. Which of the curves represents the correct d

Temperature
cooling behaviour? c
(a) a (b) b b
(c) c (d) d
a

Time

16. From the set of lines in the Figure, choose the correct °F
graph that gives the Fahrenheit temperature against the
(a) (d)
corresponding Celsius temperature. O
(a) a (b) b 0°C
(b) (c)
(c) c (d) d

cc
17. The heat absorbed by a system in going through the
cyclic process as shown in the figure is 400
V
(a) 3.14 J (b) 31.4 J 200
3
(c) 3.1410 J 4
(d) 3.1410 J

100 300 kPa

P

18. The Cp/CV ratio of a gas mixture consisting of 8 g of helium and 16 g of oxygen is

(a) 1.33 (b) 1.47 (c) 1.59 (d) 2

19. In an adiabatic expansion of air the volume increases by 5%. The percentage change in
pressure is

(a) 2% (b) 3% (c) 5% (d) 7%

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20. A gas consisting of diatomic molecules is expanded adiabatically. How many times has the
2
gas to be expanded to reduce the root mean square velocity of molecules to of the initial
3
value?

(a) 7.6 (b) 2.8 (c) 5.2 (d) 1.5

21. Three rods of identical cross-sectional area are made from A

the same metal, form the sides of an isosceles triangle
ABC right angled at B. The points A and B are maintained
at temperature T and 2T respectively in the steady
state. Assuming that only heat conduction takes place, B C
temperature of the point C will be

3T T T T
 
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2 1 2 1 3 2 1 2 1

22. One mole of an ideal monoatomic gas at temperature T0 expands slowly according to the
P
law = constant. If the final temperature is 2T0, heat supplied to the gas is
V

3 1
(a) 2RT0 (b) RT0 (c) RT0 (d) RT0
2 2

Q
23. The molar heat capacity in a process of a diatomic gas if it does a work of when a heat
4
of Q is supplied to it is

2 5 10 6
(a) R (b) R (c) R (d) R
5 2 3 7

24. The spectral emission power of a black body at 6000 K is maximum at 5000 Å. If the
temperature is increased by 10% then decrease in the value of m will be
(a) 10% (b) 7.5% (c) 5.0% (d) 2.5%

25. The average kinetic energy of a gas molecule at 270C is 6.21  10–21 J. Its average kinetic
energy at 2270C will be
(a) 52.2  10–21 J (b) 5.22  10–21 J (c) 10.35  10–21 J (d) 11.35  10–21 J

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EXERCISE – II

IIT-JEE- SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT

1. Steam at 1000C passed into a calorimeter of water equivalent 10 g containing 94 gm of

H2O and 10g of ice at 00C. The temperature of the calorimeter and contents rise by 50C.
The amount of steam passed is
(a) 1g (b) 2g (c) 3g (d) 4g

TA T
2. A and B are two gases.  4 B where T is the temperature and M is the molecular
MA MB
CA
mass. If CA and CB are speeds, then will be
CB

(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 0.5 (d) 0.25

3. Find the amount of work done to increase the temperature of one mole of an ideal gas by
300 if it is expanding under the condition V  T2/3
(a) 166.2 J (b) 136.2 J (c) 1262 J (d) none of these

4. An electrically heating coil is placed in a calorimeter containing 360g of H2O at 100C. The
coil consumes energy at the rate of 90W. The water equivalent of calorimeter and the coil
is 40g. The temperature of water after 10 minutes will be
(a) 42.140C (b) 32.140C (c) 22.140C (d) 52.140C

P0
5. One mole of an ideal gas undergoes a process P  2
, where P0 and V0 are
V 
1   
 V0 
constants. Find the temperature of the gas when V = V0
P0V0 2P0V0 2P0V0 P0V0
(a) (b) (c) (d)
R 3R R 2R

6. To raise the temperature of 100 g of ice at 00C to 100C by a heater of 420 W the time
required is
(a) 90 min (b) 90 seconds (c) 21.2 min (d) 21.2 seconds

7. An ideal gas (CV = 3/2 R) is maintained in a vessel of volume 83  10–4 m3 at pressure

1.6  106 Nm–2 and temperature 300 K. If 2.49  104 Joule heat is given to this vessel, then
its final temperature will be
(a) 600 K (b) 625 K (c) 650 K (d) 675 K

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8. An ideal gas expands according to the law PV3/2 = constant. We conclude

(a) the adiabatic exponent of the gas is 1.5
(b) the molar heat capacity C = CV –2R
(c) temperature increases during the process
(d) Such a gas is not feasible

9. A gas having pressure 6  105 Nm–2 and volume 1 m3 expands to 3 m3 and its pressure
falls to 4  105 Nm–2. Given that the indicator diagram is a straight line, the work done on
the system is
(a) 12  105 J (b) 6  105 J (c) 4  105 J (d) 10  105 J

10. Air ( = 1.4) is filled in a motor car tube at 270C temperature and 2 atmosphere pressure. If
the tube suddenly bursts then the final temperature will be (given (1/2)2/7 = 0.82)
(a) 642 K (b) 563 K (c) 300 K (d) 246 K

11. Three identical rods A, B and C of equal

lengths and equal diameters are joined in T1
series as shown in figure. Their thermal T2
0
conductivities are 2K, K and K/2 100 C A B C 00C
respectively. Calculate the temperature at 2K K K/2
two junction points

(a) 85.7, 57.10C (b) 80.85, 50.3 0C (c) 77.3, 48.3 0C (d) 75.8, 49.30C

12. One mole of an ideal monatomic gas requires 210 J heat to raise the temperature by 10 K,
when heated at constant pressure. If the same gas is heated at constant volume to raise
the temperature by 10 K then heat required is
(a) 238 J (b) 126 J (c) 210 J (d) 350 J

13. A circular disc of iron is rotating about its axis at a constant velocity . Find percentage
change in the linear speed of the rim of the disc if it is slowly heated from 20 0C to 500C
keeping angular velocity constant (coefficient of linear expansion of iron is 1.2  10–5 /0C)
(a) 3.6 % (b) 3.6  10–1% (c) 3.6  10–2% (d) 3.6  10–3%

14. P-V diagram of cyclic process ABCA is as shown in P

figure. Choose the correct statement
A
(a) Q AB  negative
(b) U B C  positive
(c) WCAB  negative B C
(d) all of these V

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15. A pendulum clock keeps correct time at 00C. Its mean coefficient of linear expansions is
/0C, then the loss in seconds per day by the clock if the temperature rises by t0C is
1 1 1
t  864000 t  86400 t  86400
1
(a) 2 (b) t  86400 (c) 2 (d) 2
t 2  t 
2
t
1  1   1
2  2 2

16. A liquid of mass m specific heat c heated to a temperature 2T. Another liquid of mass m/2
and specific heat 2c is heated to a temperature T. If these two liquids are mixed, the
resulting temperature of the mixture is
(a) (2/3)T (b) (8/5)T (c) (3/5)T (d) (3/2)T

17. A lead bullet of 10g travelling at 300 m/s strikes against a block of wood and comes to rest.
Assuming 50% of heat is absorbed by the bullet, the increase in its temperature is (specific
heat of lead = 150 J/kg. K)
(a) 1000C (b) 1250C (c) 1500C (d) 2000C

18. The gas in vessel is subjected to a pressure of 20 atmosphere at a temperature 270C. The
pressure of the gas in a vessel after one half of the gas is released from the vessel and the
temperature of the remainder is raised by 500C is
(a) 8.5 atm (b) 10.8 atm (c) 11.7 atm (d) 23.3 atm

19. A gas is filled in the cylinder shown in the figure. The Gas
two pistons are joined by a string. If the gas is heated,
the pistons will
(a) move towards left (b) move towards right
(c) remain stationary (d) none of these

20. An ideal gas initially at temperature T and volume V. Its volume is increased by V due to
an increase in temperature, pressure remaining constant. The quantity  = V/ (V T)
varies with temperature as
   

(a) (b) (c) (d)

T T+T T T+T T T+T T T+T

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21. Pressure versus temperature graph of an ideal gas is as P

shown in figure. Density of the gas at point A is 0. Density
at B will be
3P0 B
3 3
(a)  0 (b)  0
4 2 P0 A
4
(c) 0 (d) 20 T
2 T0 2T0

22. One mole of helium is adiabatically expanded from its initial state (Pi, Vi, Ti) to its final state
(Pf, Vf, Tf). The decrease in the internal energy associated with this expansion is equal to
(a) CV Ti  Tf  (b) C P Ti  Tf 

(c)
1
CP  CV Ti  Tf  (d) C P  CV Ti  Tf 
2

23. An ideal gas expands isothermally from a volume V1 to V2 and then compressed to original
volume V1 adiabatically. Initially pressure is P1 and final pressure is P3. The total work done
is W. Then
(a) P3  P1, W  0 (b) P3  P1, W  0 (c) P3  P1, W  0 (d) P3  P1, W  0

24. An ideal gas expands in such a manner that its pressure and volume can be related by
equation PV2 = constant. During this process, the gas is
(a) Heated (b) Cooled
(c) Nether heated nor cooled (d) first heated and then cooled

25. During an experiment, an ideal gas is found to obey an additional law – Vp2 = constant.
The gas is initially at temperature T and has volume V. When it expands to a volume 2V,
the temperature becomes
1
(a) 2T (b) T (c) 3T (d) 2T
2

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-68

EXERCISE – III

ONE OR MORE THAN ONE CHOICE CORRECT

1. An ideal gas undergoes a thermodynamic cycle as shown in P

figure, which of the following statements is/are correct? O C
(a) straight line AB cannot pass through O.
(b) during process AB, temperature decreases while that
during process BC increases. A B
(c) during process BC, work is done by the gas against 1/V
external pressure, and temperature of gas increase O
(d) during process CA, work is done by the gas against
external pressure and heat supplied to the gas is exactly equal
to this work.

2. One mole of ideal monatomic gas is heated at constant pressure. Its initial volume and
temperature are 8.2 litres and 270C respectively and final volume is 41 litres. If R = 8.3
J/mole K, then

(a) the increase in its internal energy is 14940 J.

(b) the work done by the gas is 9960 J.

(c) the heat absorbed is 4980 J.

(d) there is no increase in internal energy.

3. Two tanks of equal volumes contain equal masses of hydrogen and helium at the same
temperature. Then

(a) the pressure of hydrogen is half that of helium

(b) the pressure of hydrogen is double that of helium

(c) the translational kinetic energy of all the molecules of hydrogen is double of that of all
the molecules of helium

(d) the total kinetic energy of all the molecules of hydrogen is more than double of that of
all the molecule of helium.

4. An ideal gas is taken from the state A (pressure P, volume V) to the state B (pressure P/2,
volume 2V) along a straight line path on the P-V diagram select the statement (s) from the
following

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(a) the work done by the gas is the in the process A to B exceeds the work the taken from
A to B along an isotherm.

(b) in the T-V diagram the path AB becomes part of a parabola.

(c) in the P-T diagram, the path AB becomes a part of a hyperbola

(d) in going from A to B, the temperature T of the gas first increases to a maximum value
and then decreases.

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5. The rates of fall of temperature of two identical solid spheres of different materials are
equal at a certain temperature

(a) their specific heat capacities are equal.

(b) their heat capacitates are equal

(c) their specific heat capacities are proportional to their densities

(d) their specific heat capacities are inversely proportional to their densities

6. A solid sphere and a solid cube, both made of the same metal, have same surface area
and negligible thickness. They are filled with warm water of same temperature and placed
in an enclosure of constant temperature, a few degrees below that of water. Then in the
beginning the rate of

(a) energy lost by the sphere is less than that by the cube.

(b) energy lost by the sphere is more than that by the cube

(c) energy lost by the two are equal

(d) fall of temperature for sphere is more than that for the cube.

7. A closed vessel contains a maximum of two diatomic gases A and B. Molar mass of A is 16
times that of B and mass of gas A, contained in the vessel is 2 times that of B. Which of the
following statements is /are correct.

(a) average kinetic energy per molecule of A is equal to that of B.

(b) root mean square value of translational velocity of B is four times that of A.

(c) pressure exerted by B is eight times of that exerted by A.

(d) number of molecules of B in the cylinder is eight times that of A.

8. A thermally insulated chamber of volume 2V0 is divided by a

frictionless piston of area S into two equal parts A and B. B
Part A has an ideal gas at pressure P0 and temperature T0 A
and in part B is vacuum. A massless spring of force
constant k is connected with piston and the wall of the
container as shown. Initially spring is unstretched. Gas in
chamber A is allowed to expand. Let in equilibrium spring is
compressed by x0. Then
k x0
(a) final pressure of the gas is
S
1 2
(b) work done by the gas is k x0
2

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1 2
(c) change in internal energy of the gas is k x0
2

(d) temperature of the gas is decreased

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9. The bodies A and B have thermal emissivities of 0.01 and 0.81 respectively. The outer
surface areas of the two bodies are equal. The two bodies emit total radiant power at the
same rate. The wavelength B corresponding to maximum spectral radiancy in the radiation
from B is shifted from the wavelength corresponding to maximum spectral radiancy in the
radiation from A, by 1.00 m. If the temperature of A is 5802 K:
(a) the temperature of B is 1934 K
(b) B = 1.5 m
(c) the temperature of B is 1160 K
(d) the temperature of B is 2901 K

10. The temperature drop through a two layers furnace wall is

900ºC. Each layer is of equal area of cross-section. Which of
the following actions will result in lowering the temperature Inner Outer
 of the interface? layer layer
1000ºC 100ºC
(a) by increasing the thermal conductivity of outer layer
(b) by increasing the thermal conductivity of inner layer
(c) by increasing thickness of outer layer 
(d) by increasing thickness of inner layer

11. In the figure shown, the amount of heat supplied to one 3

Workdone(W)
mole of an ideal gas is plotted on the horizontal axis and the 2
amount of work performed by the gas is plotted on vertical 3
axis. The experiment is done on two gases. The initial 2 1
1
states for both the gases are same. Two of the straight lines Heat supplied(Q)
are isobars. Then (Given 3 = 45°, 2 = 30°, 1 = 25°)

(a) curve 3 corresponds to isothermal process

(b) curve 1 and 2 corresponds to isobaric process
(c) curve 3 and 2 corresponds to isobaric process
(d) curve 1 and 3 corresponds to isobaric process

12. Two spheres A and B have same radius but the heat capacity of A is greater than that of B.
The surfaces of both are painted black. They are heated to the same temperature and
allowed to cool. Then

(a) A cools faster than B

(b) both A and B cool at the same rate

(c) at any temperature the ratio of their rates of cooling is a constant

(d) B cools faster than A

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13. Internal energy of an ideal diatomic gas at 300 K is 100 J. In this 100 J
(a) potential energy = 0
(b) rotational kinetic energy = 40 J
(c) translational kinetic energy = 60 J
(d) translational kinetic energy is 100 J

14. n moles of an ideal monatomic gas undergoes a process in which the temperature changes
with volume as T  KV 2 . If the temperature of the gas changes from T0 to 4T0 then

(a) work done by the gas is 3nRT

(b) heat supplied to the gas is 4nRT0

3
(c) work done by the gas is nRT 0
2

3
(d) heat supplied to the gas is nRT 0
2

15. During the melting of a slab of ice at 273 K at atmospheric pressure

(a) positive work is done by the ice-water system on the atmosphere

(b) positive work is done on the ice-water system on the atmosphere

(c) the internal energy of the ice-water increases

(d) the internal energy of the ice-water system decreases

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EXERCISE –IV

MATCH THE FOLLOWING

Note: Each statement in column – I has only one match in column –II

1. An ideal gas at temperature T expanded adiabatically from volume V to 2V. Then it is

expanded isothermally to a volume 5V. Again it is compressed adiabatically to original
temperature T. Comparing initial and final state of the gas. ( = final – initial), U = sum of all
the change in internal energies.

Column I Column II

I. V A. positive

II. P B. negative

III. Adiabatic constant of gas C. zero

IV. U D. cannot be determined

2. A block of ice mass 10 gm is in thermal equilibrium ice

with a water bath containing 10 gm of water which is
kept on a conducting movable massless piston on a
cylinder containing 3 moles of an ideal diatomic gas in
thermal equilibrium with water. The walls of cylinder
are adiabatic and heat lost to surroundings is
negligible. The gas is heated slowly by a heater.
(Latent heat = 80 cal/gm, specific heat of water = 1
cal/gm, R = 25/3 J/mol K, mechanical equivalent of
heat = 4.2 J/cal)

Column I Column II

I. Work done by the gas till ice melts A. 6250 J

II. Change in internal energy of the gas till the water B. 2500 J
starts boiling

III. Work done by the gas till water starts boiling C. zero

IV. Net heat supplied by heater till the water starts boiling D. 20510 J

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Note: Each statement in column – I has one or more than one match in column –II.

3. In the - T graph shown in figure, match the following  c

b

a d
T
Column I Column II

I. Process a-b A. Isochoric process

II. Process b-c B. U = 0

III. Process c-d C. P increasing

IV. Process d-a D. P decreasing

REASONING TYPE

Directions: Read the following questions and choose

(A) If both the statements are true and statement-2 is the correct explanation of
statement-1.

(B) If both the statements are true but statement-2 is not the correct explanation of
statement-1.

(C) If statement-1 is True and statement-2 is False.

(D) If statement-1 is False and statement-2 is True.

1. Statement-1: At a given temperature radiations emitted by pin hole cavities in different

materials are different.
Statement-2: Pin hole cavities in all materials behave like perfect black body.
(a) (A) (b) (B) (c) (C) (d) (D)

2. Statement-1: Equal masses of helium and oxygen gases are given equal quantities of heat.
There will be greater rise in the temperature of helium as compared to that of oxygen.
Statement-2: The molecular weight of oxygen in more than the molecular weight of helium.
(a) (A) (b) (B) (c) (C) (d) (D)

3. Statement-1: When temperature difference across the two sides of a wall is increased, its
thermal conductivity increases.
Statement-2: Thermal conductivity depends on the nature of material of the wall.
(a) (A) (b) (B) (c) (C) (d) (D)

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4. Statement-1: Work done by a gas in isothermal expansion is more than the work done by
the gas in the same expansion adiabatically.
Statement-2: Temperature remains constant in isothermal expansion not in adiabatic
expansion.
(a) (A) (b) (B) (c) (C) (d) (D)

5. Statement-1: Water can be boiled inside satellite by convection.

Statement-2: Convection is the process in which heat is transmitted from a place of higher
temperature to a place of lower temperature by means of particles with their migrations from
one place to another.
(a) (A) (b) (B) (c) (C) (d) (D)

LINKED COMPREHENSION TYPE

A metal block of heat capacity 80 J/0C placed in a room at 200C is heated electrically. The heater
is switched off when the temperature reaches 300C. The temperature of the block rises at the rate
of 2 0C/s just after the heater is switched on and falls at the rate of 0.2 0C/s just after the heater is
switched off. Assume Newton’s law of cooling to hold.

1. Find the power of the heater

(a) zero (b) 60 watt
(c) 160 watt (d) 180 watt

2. Find the power radiated by the block just after the heater is switched off
(a) 16 watt (b) 8 watt
(c) 2 watt (d) 1 watt

3. Find the power radiated by the block when the temperature of the block is 250C
(a) zero (b) 1 watt
(c) 4 watt (d) 8 watt

4. At what temperature of the metal block, the power radiated by the block becomes 2 watt
only
(a) 20.00C (b) 21.250C
(c) 22.50C (d) 240C

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-77

EXERCISE – V

1. What should be the length of brass rod so that the change in its length may be the
same at all temperatures as that of an iron rod of length 90 cm? brass = 18 × 10–6 k–1
iron = 12 × 10–6 k–1.

2. A steel rod of length 5 m is fixed rigidly between two supports. The coefficient of linear
expansion of steel is 12 × 10–6 /°C. Calculate the stress (in MN/m2) in the rod for an increase in
temperature of 40°C. Young’s modulus for steel is 2 × 1011 N/m2.

3. A slab of stone of area 3600 cm2 and thickness 10 cm is exposed on the lower surface to
steam at 100°C. A block of ice at 0°C rests on the upper surface of the slab. In one hour,
4.8 kg of ice is melted. Calculate the thermal conductivity (in mW/m0C) of stone.

4. An ideal gas is taken through a cyclic thermodynamic process through four steps. The
amounts of heat involved in these steps are Q1 = 5960 J; Q2 = – 5585 J; Q3 = – 2980 J;
Q4 = 3645 J respectively. The corresponding works involved are W1 2200 J, W 2   825 J,
W3 1100J and W4 respectively. Find the value of W4.

5. 2/R moles of on ideal gas ( =1.5) P

undergo a cyclic process (ABCDA) as
shown in figure. Assuming the gas to be
ideal, calculate the following quantities in A B
2103 atm
this process [ ln 2 = 0.7]
(a) the net change in the heat energy 1 103 atm C
D
(b) the net work done by the gas
T
(c) the net change in internal energy 300 K 400 K

6. A lump of 0.1 kg of ice at -10°C is put in 0.15 kg of water at 20°C. How much water will be
found in the mixture when it has reached thermal equilibrium?
(Specific heat of ice = 2.1 kJ/kg; Latent heat of ice = 336 kJ/kg)

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-78

 7 
7. Three moles of an ideal gas  C p  R  at pressure PA and temperature TA = 700k is
 2 
isothermally expanded to twice its initial volume. It is then compressed at constant
pressure to its original volume. Finally the gas is treated at constant volume to its original
pressure PA.

(a) Sketch P-V and P-T diagrams for the complete process.
(b) Calculate the work done by the gas and net heat supplied to the gas during the
complete process.

8. A smooth vertical tube having two different sections is open to the P0

atmosphere at both ends and is equipped with two pistons of
corresponding areas; each piston sliding within a respective tube
section. One mole of ideal gas is enclosed between the pistons
tied with an inextensible thread. The cross-sectional area of the
upper piston is 10 cm2 greater than that of the lower one. The
combined mass of two pistons is equal to 5 kg. The outside air P0
pressure p0 = 10 atm. Through what temperature range must the
gas between the pistons be heated to shift the pistons through
5.0 cm?

9. The system shown consists of three springs and two rods. If the temperature of the rods in
increased by T, calculate the energy stored in each of the springs. The springs are initially
relaxed, there is no friction. Take the coefficient of linear expansion of the material of the
rods to be equal to . [ take Kl2 2 T2 = 968]

K l 2K l/2 3K

10. An ideal monatomic gas of two moles is taken through a D C

VD
cyclic process starting from A as shown in the figure. The
V V V
volume ratios are B = 2 and D = 4. If the temperature VB B
VA VA
TA at A is 27° C, calculate: VA A
(a) the temperature of the gas at point B,
TA TB T
(b) heat absorbed or released by the gas in AB and CD in
multiple of R.

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-79

(c) the total work done by the gas during the complete
cycle.

Where R is gas constant.

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-80

ANSWERS

EXERCISE – I

AIEEE-SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT

1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (c) 5. (c)

6. (c) 7. (c) 8. (d) 9. (d) 10. (b)

11. (b) 12. (d) 13. (d) 14. (d) 15. (a)

16. (a) 17. (b) 18. (c) 19. (d) 20. (a)

21. (a) 22. (a) 23. (c) 24. (a) 25. (c)

EXERCISE – II

IIT-JEE-SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT

1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (d)

6. (b) 7. (d) 8. (b) 9. (d) 10. (d)

11. (a) 12. (b) 13. (c) 14. (d) 15. (b)

16. (d) 17. (c) 18. (d) 19. (b) 20. (c)

21. (b) 22. (a) 23. (c) 24. (b) 25. (a)

EXERCISE – III

ONE OR MORE THAN ONE CHOICE CORRECT

1. (b,d) 2. (a,b) 3. (b,c) 4. (a,b,d) 5. (b,d)

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-81

6. (c,d) 7. (a,b,c,d) 8. (a,b,c,d) 9. (a,b) 10. (a,d)

11. (a,b) 12. (c,d) 13. (a,b,c) 14. (b,c) 15. (b,c)

EXERCISE – IV

MATCH THE FOLLOWING

1. I – A, II – B, III – D, IV – C

2. I – C, II – A, III – B, IV – D

3. I – B,C, II – A,C, III – B,D, IV – A,D

REASONING TYPE

1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (d)

LINKED COMPREHENSION TYPE

1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (b)

EXERCISE – V

SUBJECTIVE PROBLEMS

1. 60 cm

2. 96 MN/m2

3. 1240 mW/m°C

4. W4 = 765 J

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 d THERMAL PHYSICS OP-MIII-P-82

5. (a) 140 J (b) 140 J (c) zero

6. 181 gm

7. Net work done = 3486 J. Net heat supplied = 3486 J

8. 6.4 K (approximately)

9. 324 J, 162 J, 108 J

10. (a) 327°C

(b) QAB = 1500 R, QCD = – 900 R

(c) 600 R

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