Module 2: Waves and Thermodynamics
1. Waves
Waves transfer energy without transferring matter. They can be mechanical or
electromagnetic.
1.1. Properties of Waves
Wave Types:
o Transverse Waves: The oscillation is perpendicular to the direction
of wave propagation (e.g., light, water waves).
o Longitudinal Waves: The oscillation is parallel to the direction of
wave propagation (e.g., sound waves).
Wave Characteristics:
o Wavelength (λ): The distance between two consecutive peaks or
troughs.
o Frequency (f): The number of complete wave cycles per second
(measured in Hz).
o Amplitude (A): The maximum displacement from the equilibrium
position.
o Period (T): The time taken for one complete wave cycle.
1.2. Wave Behaviour
Reflection: Waves bounce off surfaces (e.g., light reflecting from a
mirror).
Refraction: Waves change direction when passing from one medium to
another (e.g., light bending in water).
Diffraction: Waves spread out when passing through narrow openings.
Interference: When two waves overlap, their displacements combine.
This can be constructive (amplitudes add) or destructive (amplitudes
subtract).
1.3. Sound Waves
Properties of Sound:
o Sound waves are longitudinal and require a medium to travel (solid,
liquid, or gas).
o Speed of sound depends on the medium’s temperature, density,
and elasticity.
Doppler Effect: The change in frequency or wavelength of a wave
relative to an observer. It occurs when the source or observer is moving.
2. Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is the study of heat, work, and the energy transformations
between them.
2.1. Temperature and Heat
Temperature: A measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a
substance.
Heat (Q): The transfer of thermal energy from a hotter object to a cooler
one.
Specific Heat Capacity: The amount of heat required to raise the
temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C.
2.2. The Laws of Thermodynamics
Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics: If two systems are each in thermal
equilibrium with a third system, then they are in thermal equilibrium with
each other.
First Law of Thermodynamics: Energy cannot be created or destroyed,
only transferred or converted (conservation of energy).
Second Law of Thermodynamics: The entropy (disorder) of an isolated
system always increases over time.
Third Law of Thermodynamics: As the temperature of a system
approaches absolute zero, the entropy approaches a minimum.
2.3. Heat Engines and Efficiency
Heat Engines: Devices that convert heat energy into mechanical work
(e.g., car engines).
Efficiency: The ratio of useful work output to the total energy input.
Efficiency=Useful Energy OutputTotal Energy Input×100\text{Efficiency} = \
frac{\text{Useful Energy Output}}{\text{Total Energy Input}} \times
100Efficiency=Total Energy InputUseful Energy Output×100