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1: The Basics

Last updated

Apr 13, 2022
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- 1.1: The System and the Surroundings

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Physical chemistry is concerned with the gray area that lies between physics (the study of energy) and chemistry (the study of matter). As such, physical chemistry is all about how energy can be stored through, extracted from, and used to drive chemical reactions and chemical systems. A major topic that focuses on how energy and matter interact and affect one another is thermodynamics. But before diving into thermodynamics, it is important to set down a few definitions that make it possible to begin slicing up the topic.

1.1: The System and the Surroundings
The page discusses the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics, emphasizing the importance of defining key terms like "system" and "surroundings." Various types of systems are identified, such as open, closed, and isolated systems, based on how they allow matter and energy transfer. The distinctions between homogeneous and heterogeneous systems are also outlined, along with the significance of intensive and extensive variables.
1.2: Pressure and Molar Volume
Italian physicist Evangelista Torricelli invented a device to measure air pressure using a glass tube filled with mercury, which created a vacuum when inverted. The height of the mercury column left indicates air pressure. At sea level, the column measures 76 cm, corresponding to a pressure of 100,000 Pa. This method established the basis for measuring atmospheric pressure and units such as the Pascal and bar.
1.3: Temperature
The text discusses the development of temperature scales, focusing on the Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin scales. Fahrenheit created his scale based on convenient laboratory conditions, while Celsius originally defined his scale inversely to today's standards. The Kelvin scale is an absolute measure with 0 as the lowest possible temperature, fixing water's melting point at 273.15 K. Conversion formulas between these scales are provided, illustrating their relationship.
1.4: The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics
This page explains the concept of temperature and how it is measured using thermometers. It highlights the relevance of the zeroth law of thermodynamics for temperature measurement, stating that if system A is in thermal equilibrium with system B, and system B with system C, then systems A and C share a temperature. The International Practical Temperature Scale of 1990 (IPT-90) is mentioned as a standard, utilizing physical properties of substances to define precise temperature measurements.
1.5: Work and Energy
The page discusses fundamental concepts of thermodynamics, focusing on temperature, pressure, volume, and energy exchange through work and heat. It highlights the importance of energy in modern society and introduces kinetic and potential energy. Hooke???s Law is discussed as an example of energy conversion between kinetic and potential forms. Work is defined as energy expenditure to move an object against a force, with applications illustrated in examples like gas expansion.
1.E: The Basics (Exercises)
The page contains a series of questions related to physics and chemistry problems.
1.S: The Basics (Summary)
This page outlines the learning objectives for mastering thermodynamic principles, including calculating work, understanding the Zeroth Law, temperature conversions, defining system boundaries, and specific heat calculations. It also lists vocabulary terms such as calorie, joule, and Ideal Gas Law. References are provided for further reading on historical figures and scientific standards related to temperature measurement and thermodynamics.

Thumbnail: Frying an egg is an example of a chemical change induced by the addition of thermal enegy (via heat). Image used iwth permission (CC BY-SA 3.0; Managementboy).

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