Physics Quiz: Thermodynamics

What is the first law of thermodynamics?

• Energy can be created but not destroyed.

• Energy can be destroyed but not created.

• Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed.

• Energy can be both created and destroyed.

Define heat capacity.

• The amount of heat energy required to change the phase of a substance.

• The ability of a substance to conduct heat.

• The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by a certain amount.

• The measure of how hot a substance is.

What is the difference between an isothermal and an adiabatic process?

• In an isothermal process, the pressure remains constant, while in an adiabatic process, the pressure changes.

• In an isothermal process, the volume remains constant, while in an adiabatic process, the volume changes.

• In an isothermal process, the work done is zero, while in an adiabatic process, work is done on or by the system.

• The difference between an isothermal and an adiabatic process is that in an isothermal process, the temperature remains constant, while in an adiabatic process, there is no heat exchange with the surroundings.

State the second law of thermodynamics.

• The entropy of an isolated system always decreases over time.

• The entropy of an isolated system always increases over time.

• The energy of an isolated system always increases over time.

• The temperature of an isolated system always decreases over time.

What is entropy?

• Entropy is a measure of order or predictability in a system.

• Entropy is a measure of energy in a system.

• Entropy is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system.

• Entropy is a measure of complexity in a system.

Explain the concept of thermal equilibrium.

• Thermal equilibrium is a state in which two or more objects have different temperatures and there is a net flow of heat between them.

• Thermal equilibrium is a state in which two or more objects are at different temperatures and there is no net flow of heat between them.

• Thermal equilibrium is a state in which two or more objects are at the same temperature but there is a net flow of heat between them.

• Thermal equilibrium is a state in which two or more objects are at the same temperature and there is no net flow of heat between them.

What is the Carnot cycle?

• The Carnot cycle is a process used in nuclear power plants.

• The Carnot cycle is a method for measuring temperature.

• The Carnot cycle is a theoretical thermodynamic cycle.

• The Carnot cycle is a type of chemical reaction.

Define enthalpy.

• The amount of heat transferred during a chemical reaction

• Total energy of a system

• The temperature of a system

• The pressure of a system

What is the coefficient of performance for a refrigerator?

• Qc / Qh

• W / Qc

• Qh / W

• Qc / W

Explain the concept of internal energy.

• Internal energy is the energy stored in the bonds between atoms and molecules.

• Internal energy is the energy associated with the motion of an object.

• Internal energy is the total energy contained within a system, including both the kinetic and potential energy of its particles.

• Internal energy is the energy that is transferred between objects due to a temperature difference.