Practice IB Physics Topic B.1 Thermal Energy Transfers with authentic exam-style questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank focuses on the exact syllabus content for B.1 Thermal Energy Transfers and mirrors Paper 1A, 1B, 2 style where relevant.
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Which of the following is a correct SI unit of specific heat capacity?
Two iron cubes and have side lengths and respectively. When a temperature difference is placed across two opposite faces of cube , the power transferred across the cube is . When the same temperature difference is placed across two opposite faces of cube , what is the power transferred across the cube in terms of ?
A student compares the thermal conductivity of two rods made from different materials: copper (Rod A) and steel (Rod B). Each rod has the same length, diameter, and is heated at one end with an identical electric heater. The student places thermocouples at two fixed positions on each rod and measures the temperature at those points after 300 seconds. The results are shown in the table below.
| Rod | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A (Copper) | 2.0 | 85.0 | 8.0 | 75.0 |
| B (Steel) | 2.0 | 75.0 | 8.0 | 35.0 |
Explain how the temperature gradient in each rod is related to its thermal conductivity.
Use the data to calculate the temperature gradient in each rod.
Assuming the rods received the same energy input and have equal cross-sectional areas, what does the difference in gradient suggest about the relative thermal conductivities of the metals?
Suggest two improvements to this experiment that would improve the reliability of the comparison.
Identify one assumption made in this experiment and explain how it may affect the result.
A satellite component made of aluminum is exposed to sunlight in space and reaches thermal equilibrium. If the absorbed solar power is and the component has emissivity , what is its equilibrium temperature?
A microprocessor is attached to a metal heat sink to prevent overheating. The diagram below shows two interfaces where thermal energy is transferred.
Which row correctly identifies the primary mechanisms of thermal energy transfer at interface 1 and interface 2?
| Interface 1 | Interface 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| A | Conduction | Convection |
| B | Conduction | Radiation |
| C | Convection | Conduction |
| D | Radiation | Convection |