Co-ordinated Sciences Physics P2: Thermal Physics

Physics P2 of Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences 0654 covers the kinetic particle model, gas pressure, thermal expansion, melting, boiling and evaporation, conduction, convection, radiation and consequences of thermal energy transfer.

Kinetic Particle Model

Q: What does Cambridge IGCSE Physics Notes 2.1: Kinetic Particle Model cover?
A: It follows official Cambridge Physics section 2.1 for syllabuses 0625 and 0972, with Core ideas separated from Supplement depth.

The kinetic particle model connects microscopic particle motion and collisions to states of matter, diffusion, gas pressure, and temperature.

The ideas that organise this section

• State properties follow from particle spacing, arrangement, forces, and motion.
• Gas pressure results from particle collisions with container walls.
• Thermodynamic temperature is linked to average particle kinetic energy.

Core route

Core candidates should be ready to describe, calculate, interpret, and apply the following:

• Describe solids, liquids, and gases using the particle model.
• Use Brownian motion as evidence for molecular motion.
• Explain gas pressure and qualitative effects of temperature and volume changes.

Supplement route

Extended candidates study all Core content and add the following depth:

• Use the absolute temperature scale and convert between Celsius and kelvin when required.
• Explain pressure changes through collision rate and momentum change at the walls.
• Link temperature to average kinetic energy without treating every particle as having the same speed.

Formula route

• Relationship: temperature in kelvin = temperature in degrees Celsius + 273.

Write the relationship before substituting. Convert units first, keep extra figures during working, and round only the final answer to sensible precision.

Worked reasoning example

Heating a sealed rigid gas raises pressure because particles move faster and collide with the walls more frequently and with greater momentum change.

For explanation questions, state the physical principle, apply it to the named system, then give the consequence. A formula or keyword by itself is not a complete explanation.

A reliable answer method