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Chapter 6 of 14
Syllabus

Thermal Properties of Matter — Syllabus

CBSE · Class 11 · Physics

What Thermal Properties of Matter covers in CBSE Class 11 Physics: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session. Part of the CBSE Class 11 Physics syllabus.

117 questions96 flashcards16 formulas & key relations5 concepts

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4 Topics · CBSE Class 11 Physics · 2026-27

Topics in Thermal Properties of Matter

1

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.
2

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.
3

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.
4

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.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Thermal Properties of Matter

Heat and temperatureMeasurement of temperatureIdeal-gas equation and absolute temperatureThermal expansionSpecific heat capacityCalorimetryChange of stateHeat transfer

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Thermal Properties of Matter for CBSE Class 11 Physics?
Key topics in Thermal Properties of Matter include Temperature and Heat, Temperature Scales and Absolute Temperature, Gas Laws and Molecular Behaviour, Thermal Expansion. Study these first, then practise questions on each for Class 11 exams.
How should I revise Thermal Properties of Matter for Class 11 exams?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 117 practice questions on Thermal Properties of Matter. Revise 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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