IB Physics SL B.1.11 Conduction

Describe conduction through solids using particle collisions, lattice vibrations and, in metals, mobile electrons carrying energy.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
—
Level
SL

Exam points

  • describe conduction in a solid as neighbouring particles passing kinetic energy by collisions or vibrations
  • link metal thermal conduction to mobile electrons transferring energy through the lattice

B.1.11—Conduction question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

Describe the mechanism of heat transfer by conduction.

The diagram shows a wall separating the inside of a room from the outside. The temperature of the room is kept constant by a heater.

Figure for Question B.1.11—Conduction question 1 — IB Physics SL

The following data are available:

 Thickness of wall =0.25 m Area of wall =18 m2 Thermal conductivity of wall =1.3Wm−1 K−1 Constant room temperature =22∘C Constant outside temperature =13∘C\begin{aligned} \text { Thickness of wall } & =0.25 \mathrm{~m} \\ \text { Area of wall } & =18 \mathrm{~m}^{2} \\ \text { Thermal conductivity of wall } & =1.3 \mathrm{Wm}^{-1} \mathrm{~K}^{-1} \\ \text { Constant room temperature } & =22^{\circ} \mathrm{C} \\ \text { Constant outside temperature } & =13^{\circ} \mathrm{C} \end{aligned}
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