IB Physics SL B.1.7 Thermal Transfer Direction Question Bank

Practise explaining thermal-transfer direction, temperature, heat flow and equilibrium in connected systems through exam questions.

Exam points

Determine thermal-transfer direction from temperature differences and identify when systems reach equilibrium.
Distinguish thermal energy transfer from temperature and use heat-flow evidence to explain changing gradients.
Explain why final temperatures depend on surroundings, heat loss and equalisation between objects in contact.

[Maximum number: 3]

This question is in two parts. Part 1 is about the motion of a ship. Part 2 is about melting ice.

The whole of the experiment in (f)(i) and (f)(ii) is repeated with a container of negligible mass that is not isolated from the surroundings. The temperature of the surroundings is $18^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ . Comment on the final temperature of the water in (f)(ii).

ice/water spends more time below $18^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ ;
so net energy transfer is in to the system; so final water temperature is higher;
or
ice/water spends less time below $18^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ ;
so net energy transfer is out of the system; so final water temperature is lower;
5. Part 1 Oscillation of a mass

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B.1.7—Thermal transfer direction question 1