A Level Physics · Topic hub
Thermal Physics
A Level Physics thermal hub: thermodynamic temperature, ideal gases, kinetic theory, internal energy, thermodynamic laws, heat capacity and latent heat.
Before you begin
Follow the lesson route in order when the topic is new. If you are revising, begin with the topic check and return to the lesson it identifies.
How the ideas connect
- Thermal equilibrium
- Ideal gases
- Kinetic theory
- First law
Learn in order
Lesson route
Learning path
- 01Thermodynamic Temperature Scale (Kelvin)Use thermodynamic temperature and convert between Celsius and kelvin.
- 02Ideal GasUse ideal-gas equations with particles, moles and SI units.
- 03Pressure in Gases (Boyle's Law)Use ideal-gas equations with particles, moles and SI units.
- 04Kinetic Theory of GasesApply the kinetic model to gas pressure and mean translational kinetic energy.
- 05Thermodynamic SystemsRelate microscopic energy, internal energy and thermal equilibrium.
- 06First Law of ThermodynamicsApply work conventions and the zeroth and first laws of thermodynamics.
- 07Specific Heat CapacityDefine and use heat capacity and specific heat capacity in energy balances.
- 08Specific Latent HeatDefine and use specific latent heat in phase-change energy balances.
- 09Questions for Thermal Physics (JC) Set 1Use thermodynamic temperature and convert between Celsius and kelvin.
- 10Questions for Thermal Physics (JC) Set 2Use ideal-gas equations with particles, moles and SI units.
Prove your understanding
Practice and repair
Key ideas and reference
Use this concise Thermal Physics checklist for orientation. Open a linked lesson for definitions, derivations, diagrams and worked examples.
- Use thermodynamic temperature and convert between Celsius and kelvin.
- Use ideal-gas equations with particles, moles and SI units.
Course coverage and review details
This hub groups the reviewed Thermal Physics lesson route.
Use the course context above when choosing qualification-specific practice and evidence.
Reviewed Jul 19, 2026
Frequently asked questions
What should I study first in A Level Thermal Physics?
Start with thermodynamic temperature and ideal-gas equations, then kinetic theory, internal energy and the thermodynamic laws. Finish with heat capacity and latent heat.
Which formulas and definitions are highest value?
Focus on pV = nRT and pV = NkT, mean translational kinetic energy, the first law with a consistent work sign, Q = mcΔT and Q = ml.
What mistakes cost the most marks in this topic?
Top losses are Kelvin conversion slips, mixing moles and molecules, sign errors for work done by versus on the gas, and using Q = mcΔT during a phase change.
What should I do after this hub?
Take both thermal quizzes, then do the Thermal Physics structured set to combine ideal-gas setup with first-law reasoning.