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Chapter 6 of 14
Revision Notes

Thermal Properties of Matter

CBSE · Class 11 · Physics

Quick revision notes for Thermal Properties of Matter — CBSE Class 11 Physics. Key concepts, formulas, and definitions for last-minute revision.

117 questions96 flashcards5 concepts

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Key Topics to Revise

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1. Temperature and Heat

  • Temperature is a relative measure of hotness or coldness.
  • Heat is energy transferred between systems or between a system and its surroundings because of a temperature difference.
  • The SI unit of heat is joule and the SI unit of temperature is kelvin; degree Celsius is commonly used.
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2. Temperature Scales and Absolute Temperature

  • The ice point and steam point of water are 0 °C and 100 °C on the Celsius scale and 32 °F and 212 °F on the Fahrenheit scale.
  • The Fahrenheit scale has 180 equal intervals between fixed points, while Celsius has 100.
  • A gas thermometer gives the same readings regardless of the gas used at low density.
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3. Gas Laws and Molecular Behaviour

  • Boyle's law states that for a fixed mass of gas at constant temperature, pressure is inversely proportional to volume.
  • Charles' law states that for a fixed mass of gas at constant pressure, volume is directly proportional to absolute temperature.
  • These laws combine into the ideal gas equation PV = μRT.
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4. Thermal Expansion

  • Most substances expand on heating and contract on cooling.
  • Thermal expansion may be linear, area, or volume expansion.
  • Copper expands about five times more than glass for the same temperature rise.

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Full Notes

Key Concepts

Heat is the form of energyThe ice point and steam pointThe Kelvin scale begins at absoluteMost substances expand on heatingWater contracts on heating between 0

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Thermal Properties of Matter for CBSE Class 11 Physics?
Thermal Properties of Matter covers several key topics that are frequently asked in CBSE Class 11 board exams. Focus on the core concepts listed on this page and practise related questions to build confidence.
How to score full marks in Thermal Properties of Matter — CBSE Class 11 Physics?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 117 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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