Physics (Grades 9–12) Subtest 2

Subarea III. Kinetic Theory and Contemporary Physics

0015

Demonstrate knowledge of thermodynamics and the kinetic theory of matter.

solving problems involving mass, volume, density, temperature, and heat capacity of a solid, liquid, or gas at constant pressure
describing the changes in pressure, temperature, and volume of an ideal gas
using the first law of thermodynamics to explain and predict the final temperature of a given thermally isolated system and the transfer of heat into or out of a given system
using the first law of thermodynamics to explain and predict the thermal efficiency and the changes in pressure, temperature, and volume of a monatomic ideal gas operating in a Carnot cycle
using the second law of thermodynamics to explain why energy flows from hot objects to cold objects
using the kinetic-molecular model of matter to explain common physical changes (e.g., changes in temperature or pressure of a gas, phase changes)

0016

Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles of special relativity and atomic and subatomic physics.

using words, diagrams, and mathematical relationships to describe time dilation, length contraction, and momentum and energy of an object at a given velocity
demonstrating knowledge of measurements and calculations used to detect nuclear radiation in the environment
describing the basic atomic and subatomic constituents of matter and their properties
using conservation principles to explain observed changes in matter and energy in a given nuclear process
using the standard model to explain qualitatively the observed interactions between atomic or subatomic particles in simple situations

0017

Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles of quantum physics.

demonstrating knowledge of measurements and calculations used to analyze the emission spectrum of a given gas
using the quantum nature of light and matter and the conservation of energy and momentum to explain qualitatively the observed interaction between photons and matter in a given situation
using the Heisenberg uncertainty principle to predict the lower limit of size, momentum, energy, or time expected in a given atomic or subatomic process
describing the electrical conductivity of a given conductor, insulator, or semiconductor in terms of energy bands and levels