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IB Physics HL B.1.7 Thermal Transfer Direction Question Bank

Practise HL thermal-transfer questions on thermal capacity, gradients and equilibrium timing using real experimental evidence.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Use thermal capacity, temperature difference and equilibrium timing to analyse heat transfer between objects.
  • Explain how a shrinking temperature difference changes transfer rate and why systems approach thermal equilibrium.

B.1.7—Thermal transfer direction question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

The equipment shown in the diagram was used by a student to investigate the variation with volume, of the pressure p of air, at constant temperature. The air was trapped in a tube of constant cross-sectional area above a column of oil.

Figure for Question B.1.7—Thermal transfer direction question 1 — IB Physics HL

The pump forces oil to move up the tube decreasing the volume of the trapped air.

The student measured the height H of the air column and the corresponding air pressure p. After each reduction in the volume the student waited for some time before measuring the pressure. Outline why this was necessary.

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