CBSE Class 11 Physics Chapter 12: Thermodynamics NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

This chapter delves into the fundamental principles of Thermodynamics, a crucial branch of Physics. The NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics, Chapter 12, cover key concepts such as heat, work, internal energy, and the laws of thermodynamics. Students will find detailed, step-by-step solutions to problems involving heat transfer, specific heat capacity, and the behavior of gases under different conditions. These solutions are designed to clarify complex calculations and theoretical aspects, helping students build a strong foundation in thermodynamics. By working through these problems, students can enhance their problem-solving skills and prepare effectively for their board examinations, ensuring a thorough understanding of thermodynamic processes and their applications.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 11
SubjectPhysics
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 12

Chapter summary

Chapter 12 on Thermodynamics in NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics focuses on the relationship between heat, work, and internal energy. It covers the first and second laws of thermodynamics, specific heat capacities of gases at constant volume and pressure, and their applications. The solutions provide a clear approach to solving numerical problems related to heat engines, refrigerators, and thermal expansion, aiding students in grasping the core concepts of energy transfer and transformation.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the relationship between heat, work, and internal energy.
  • Calculate the heat required to change the temperature of a substance.
  • Apply the ideal gas law and specific heat capacities to solve thermodynamic problems.
  • Determine the rate of fuel consumption based on heat transfer requirements.
  • Analyze thermodynamic processes at constant pressure.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Thermodynamics
  • Heat Transfer
  • Specific Heat Capacity
  • Molar Specific Heat
  • Heat of Combustion
  • Temperature Change
  • Ideal Gas Law
  • Constant Pressure Process
  • Rate of Fuel Consumption
  • Energy Calculations

Important topics

  • Laws of Thermodynamics
  • Specific Heat Capacities (Cp and Cv)
  • Heat Transfer Calculations
  • Work Done by a Gas
  • Internal Energy

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Questions and Solutions

Question 12.1

A geyser heats water flowing at the rate of 3.0 litres per minute from 27 °C to 77 °C. If the geyser operates on a gas burner, what is the rate of consumption of the fuel if its heat of combustion is 4.0 \times 10^4 \text{ J/g}?
Solution:

The problem asks us to find the rate at which the fuel is consumed by a geyser, given the rate of water flow, the temperature change, and the heat of combustion of the fuel.

Given data:

  • Rate of water flow = 3.0 litres per minute.
  • Initial temperature of water, T_1 = 27^{\circ}\text{C}.
  • Final temperature of water, T_2 = 77^{\circ}\text{C}.
  • Heat of combustion of fuel = 4.0 \times 10^4 \text{ J/g}.
  • Specific heat capacity of water, c = 4.2 \text{ J g}^{-1} \,^{\circ}\text{C}^{-1}.

First, calculate the rise in temperature (\Delta T):

\Delta T = T_2 - T_1 = 77^{\circ}\text{C} - 27^{\circ}\text{C} = 50^{\circ}\text{C}

Next, determine the mass of water flowing per minute. Since the density of water is approximately 1 g/mL (or 1 kg/L), 3.0 litres of water is equal to 3000 grams.

Mass of flowing water per minute, m = 3.0 \text{ L/min} \times 1000 \text{ g/L} = 3000 \text{ g/min}

Now, calculate the total amount of heat required to raise the temperature of this mass of water using the formula \Delta Q = mc \Delta T:

\Delta Q = (3000 \text{ g}) \times (4.2 \text{ J g}^{-1} \,^{\circ}\text{C}^{-1}) \times (50^{\circ}\text{C})

\Delta Q = 630000 \text{ J/min} = 6.3 \times 10^5 \text{ J/min}

This is the rate at which heat energy must be supplied by the geyser.

The rate of consumption of fuel is found by dividing the total heat supplied per minute by the heat of combustion of the fuel:

Rate of fuel consumption = \frac{\text{Total heat supplied per minute}}{\text{Heat of combustion}}

Rate of fuel consumption = \frac{6.3 \times 10^5 \text{ J/min}}{4.0 \times 10^4 \text{ J/g}}

Rate of fuel consumption = 15.75 \text{ g/min}

Therefore, the rate of consumption of the fuel is 15.75 grams per minute.

Question 12.2

What amount of heat must be supplied to 2.0 \times 10^{-2} kg of nitrogen (at room temperature) to raise its temperature by 45 °C at constant pressure? (Molecular mass of N_2 = 28; R = 8.3 \text{ J mol}^{-1} \text{ K}^{-1}.)
Solution:

This question requires us to calculate the heat energy needed to increase the temperature of a specific amount of nitrogen gas at constant pressure.

Given data:

  • Mass of nitrogen, m = 2.0 \times 10^{-2} \text{ kg} = 20 \text{ g}.
  • Rise in temperature, \Delta T = 45^{\circ}\text{C}. Since the change in temperature is the same in Celsius and Kelvin, \Delta T = 45 \text{ K}.
  • Molecular mass of N_2, M = 28 \text{ g/mol}.
  • Universal gas constant, R = 8.3 \text{ J mol}^{-1} \text{ K}^{-1}.

First, calculate the number of moles (n) of nitrogen:

n = \frac{\text{mass}}{\text{Molecular mass}} = \frac{m}{M}

n = \frac{20 \text{ g}}{28 \text{ g/mol}} \approx 0.714 \text{ mol}

Nitrogen (N_2) is a diatomic gas. For a diatomic gas, the molar specific heat at constant pressure (C_P) is given by:

C_P = \frac{7}{2}R

Substitute the value of R:

C_P = \frac{7}{2} \times 8.3 \text{ J mol}^{-1} \text{ K}^{-1}

C_P \approx 29.05 \text{ J mol}^{-1} \text{ K}^{-1}

The amount of heat (\Delta Q) to be supplied at constant pressure is given by the formula:

\Delta Q = nC_P \Delta T

Now, substitute the values:

\Delta Q = (0.714 \text{ mol}) \times (29.05 \text{ J mol}^{-1} \text{ K}^{-1}) \times (45 \text{ K})

\Delta Q \approx 933.38 \text{ J}

Therefore, the amount of heat that must be supplied to 2.0 x 10-2 kg of nitrogen to raise its temperature by 45 °C at constant pressure is approximately 933.38 Joules.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing specific heat capacity with molar specific heat.
  • Incorrectly applying temperature changes in Celsius vs. Kelvin.
  • Errors in unit conversions (e.g., kg to g, litres to g).
  • Misinterpreting 'at constant pressure' vs. 'at constant volume' conditions.

Revision tips

  • Review the definitions of heat, work, and internal energy before attempting problems.
  • Pay close attention to units and ensure consistency throughout calculations.
  • Practice converting between different temperature scales (Celsius and Kelvin).
  • Understand the difference between specific heat capacity (per unit mass) and molar specific heat capacity (per mole).

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the primary concept explored in Chapter 12 of NCERT Physics for Class 11?

Q2. In Question 12.1, what is the rate of heat used by the geyser per minute?

Q3. For Question 12.2, what is the molar specific heat at constant pressure (Cp) for nitrogen?

Q4. What is the unit of heat of combustion mentioned in Question 12.1?

Q5. In Question 12.2, the heat is supplied at what condition?

Frequently asked questions

What is Thermodynamics?

Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with heat, work, internal energy, and the laws governing their relationships and transformations.

How is heat transfer calculated in these solutions?

Heat transfer is typically calculated using formulas like ΔQ = mcΔT for temperature changes or ΔQ = nCΔT for molar heat changes, depending on the substance and process.

What is the difference between specific heat capacity and molar specific heat capacity?

Specific heat capacity (c) is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by 1°C. Molar specific heat capacity (C) is the heat required to raise the temperature of 1 mole of a substance by 1 K or 1°C.

Why is the molar specific heat at constant pressure (Cp) used in Question 12.2?

Question 12.2 specifies that the temperature of nitrogen is raised at constant pressure, requiring the use of Cp, which accounts for the work done by the gas as it expands during heating.

How do these solutions help in exam preparation?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for complex problems, helping students understand the underlying concepts and methods, which is crucial for effective exam revision and problem-solving.

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