t3 All Questions Topic 3

3 Thermal physics
3.1 Thermal concepts

Name: ………………………………. Date: ……………………………….
Phase change
1 How much bromine is boiled away if it is heated by a 45 watt heater for 22 minutes? The specific latent heat of
vaporization is 193 000 J kg–1.
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
2 How much CO2 is boiled away if it is heated by a 100.0 watt heater for 13 minutes? The specific latent heat of
vaporization is 574 000 J kg–1.
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
3 How much heat is required to change 1.47 kg of H2O at 68.0 oC to steam at 144 oC? The specific latent heat of
vaporization of water is 2 257 000 J kg–1 and the specific heat capacity of water is 4186 J kg–1 K–1 and steam
1996 J kg–1 K–1.
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
4 A newly discovered compound has respective specific heat capacities of 2456 J kg–1K–1, 5107 J kg–1K–1, and
2904 Jkg–1 K–1 for its solid, liquid, and gas states. Its specific latent heat of fusion is 298 000 J kg–1 and its
specific latent heat of vaporization is 1 785 000 J kg–1. Draw a temperature against energy graph for this
compound. Assume that its mass is 2.76 kg and its freezing and boiling points are –10 oC and 125 oC
respectively. Start the graph at –50 oC and finish at 150 oC.
5 Explain the graph in question 4 in terms of molecular behaviour.

...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
1
1
3 Thermal physics

Name: ………………………………. Date: ……………………………….
Specific heat capacity

1 The internal energy of a 63 g piece of lead is increased by heating it from 22 °C to 110 °C. If the specific heat
capacity of lead is 128 J kg–1 K–1, determine its increase in internal energy.
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
2 How large is a piece of copper if its internal energy decreases by 220 J when it goes from 86 oC to 14 °C? Its
specific heat capacity is 0.386 J g–1 K–1.
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
3 45.0 g of water at 20.0 °C is mixed with 65.0 g water at 30.0 °C. Ignoring specific heat capacities of containers,
what will be the final temperature?
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
4 A 376 g piece of zinc at 66 °C is placed in a 345 g aluminium calorimeter that contains 610 g of water at 19 °C.
What is the final temperature of the mixture?
CAl = 900 J kg–1 K–1, CZn = 387 J kg–1 K–1 and Cwater = 4186 J kg–1 K–1
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
5 A 65.0 g piece of lead at 89.0 oC is placed in a 110.0 g aluminium calorimeter that contains 265 g of water at
41.0 oC. What is the final temperature of the mixture?
CPb = 128 J kg–1 K–1
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
1
2
6 A 345 g piece of copper at 67 °C is placed in a 155 g aluminium calorimeter that contains 230 g of water at
19 °C. What is the final temperature of the mixture?
...............................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................
2
3
3 Thermal physics

Name: ………………………………. Date: ……………………………….
Temperature and internal energy

1 Convert the following from Kelvin to degrees Celsius:
a 50 K ...................................................................................................................................................................
b 245 K .................................................................................................................................................................
c 350 K .................................................................................................................................................................
2 Convert the following from degrees Celsius to Kelvin:
a 144 oC ................................................................................................................................................................
b 25 oC ..................................................................................................................................................................
c −4 oC ..................................................................................................................................................................
3 Define temperature.
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
4 Define internal energy.
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
5 Define heat.
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
1
4
3 Thermal physics
3.2 Modelling a gas

Name: ………………………………. Date: ……………………………….
Worksheet 1
1 The average translational kinetic energy of molecules in an ideal gas is 8.88 × 10–21 J. What is the temperature
of the gas?
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
2 The mean square speed of argon molecules is 2.18 × 105 m2s–2. What is the pressure of the gas? The density of
argon is 1.78 kgm–3.
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
3 The mass of hydrogen atoms is 1.67 × 10–27 kg. If the temperature of the hydrogen atoms is 804 K, find the
mean square speed of the atoms.
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
4 The temperature of a gas decreases by a factor of 3. What factor does the translational kinetic energy decrease?
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
5 The internal energy of 6.46 grams of argon is 568 J. What is the temperature of the argon atoms?
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
1
5
3.2 Modelling a gas
6 The total internal energy of an ideal gas is 3770 J. If there are 3 moles of the gas at 1 atm, what is the
temperature of the gas?
...............................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................
7 The next four statements refer to assumptions of the kinetic model of ideal gases. Decide if they are true
or false?
a Molecules have zero mass. True or false?
b Forces between molecules are attractive. True or false?
c Collisions between molecules are elastic. True or false?
d Molecules move at high speeds. True or false?
2
6
3 Thermal physics
3.2 Modelling a gas

Name: ………………………………. Date: ……………………………….
Worksheet 2
1 Determine the molar mass of the following compounds using the data list below.
H = 1.01; O = 16.00; N = 14.01; C = 12.01; Na = 22.99; Cl = 35.45
a CO2 .....................................................................................................................................................................
b NO ......................................................................................................................................................................
c H2O2 ....................................................................................................................................................................
d NaCl ....................................................................................................................................................................
e HNO3 ..................................................................................................................................................................
2 The temperature of a fixed mass of an ideal gas goes from 40.0 °C to 80.0 °C at a constant volume. If the initial
pressure was x, what is the new pressure?
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
3 A 22.8 litre tank is filled with neon gas (20.18 g mol–1). If the mass of the neon is 56.2 kg and the temperature is
111 oC, what is the pressure inside the tank?
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
4 A gas is compressed to a third of its original volume which forces the temperature to increase from 15.5 oC to
70.0 oC. If the new pressure is 4.03 × 106 Pa, what was the original pressure?
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
5 21.6 m3 of nitrogen gas is in a tank at 22.2 °C and a pressure of 1.44 × 105 Pa. What is the mass of nitrogen gas
in the tank? (Hint: nitrogen is diatomic.)
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
1
7
Temperature and Heat
1. The temperature of a body is measured using the resistance of a wire. To calibrate the
device the following measurements were taken (Ω is the unit of electrical resistance)
Resistance in melting ice 240 Ω

Resistance in boiling water 250 Ω
(a) What is the change in resistance for a change in temperature of 1°C?
(b) The wire is placed into some hot water and the resistance is measured to be 246Ω. What is
the temperature of the water?
2. A 4kg block of wood is sliding along the floor with speed of 2ms-1.
(a) Calculate the KE of the block.
(b) If the block is brought to rest by friction calculate the increase in internal energy of the block
and floor?
3. A 2kg block of wood slides down the slope as shown.

Calculate:
(a) Initial PE
(b) Final KE
(c) Energy transferred to internal energy.
Formulae
KE=½mv2
PE=mgh
8
9
Specific heat capacity
1. Define specific heat capacity.
2. If it requires 900J of energy to heat 250g of Aluminium from 20°C to 24°C what is the specific
heat capacity of Aluminium
3. A lead bullet (specific heat capacity = 100Jkg-1°C-1) mass 200g travels at 100ms-1.
(a) Calculate the KE of the bullet.
(b) The bullet hits a wall and all the KE is transferred to thermal energy in the bullet. Calculate
the temperature increase of the bullet.
4. When ice melts at 0°C do the molecules gain KE? Explain you answer.
KE = ½ mv2
Q = mc∆T
10
Moles and heat transfer
1. A mole of Carbon has a mass of 12g and a mole of helium 4g. Explain in terms of atomic
mass why moles of different elements have different mass.
2. The molar mass of Carbon is 12g how many atoms are there in 1kg of Carbon?
3. When you rub your hands work is done so energy is transferred. Where does this energy go?
4. Explain how heat is transferred to the food on a barbecue grill.
Data
NA= 6 x 1023
© Chris Hamper, InThinking

www.physics-inthinking.co.uk 1
11
Gases
1. Explain the following in terms of the kinetic model of a gas.
(a) When the volume of a gas is reduced at constant temperature the pressure increases.
(b) When the temperature of a gas is reduced at constant volume the pressure decreases.
(c) When the volume of a gas is suddenly reduced the temperature increases.
2. If the speed of a molecule is 600 ms-1 and it travels 10-7 m between collisions how many
collisions does it make per second?
3. The pressure of a gas is 5 kPa, what force will be exerted on a piston of area
20 cm2.

12
Gases
1. State 3 assumptions that are made about the molecules of an ideal gas.
Formulae
PV=nRT
W=P∆V
2. 100cm3 of ideal gas is held in a cylinder by a moveable piston at a temperature of 300K and
pressure 2kPa. The volume is increased to 150cm3 and the gas cools to 250K calculate the
new pressure.
3. The state of a fixed mass of gas at 350K is represented by point A on the PV graph. If the gas
transforms to state B calculate its new temperature.
4. A gas undergoes the transformation shown in the PV graph below.

(a) Is work done by the gas or on the gas?
(b) Calculate the work done.

13
QUESTIONS
Questions
1 Two objects are in thermal contact. State and 7 2.0 kg of water at 0 °C is to be changed into ice
explain which of the following quantities at this temperature. The same mass of water
will determine the direction of the transfer of now at 100 °C is to be changed into steam at
energy between these objects? this temperature.
a) The mass of each object. Specific latent heat of fusion of water = 3.34 ×
b) The area of contact between the objects. 105 J kg–1
c) The specific heat capacity of each object. Specific latent heat of vaporization of water =
d) The temperature of each object. (4 marks) 2.26 × 106 J kg–1
a) Calculate the amount of energy needed to
be removed from the water to freeze it.
2 Two objects are at the same temperature.
Explain why they must have the same internal b) Calculate the amount of energy required by
energy. (2 marks) the water to vaporize it.
c) Explain the difference between the values
calculated in a) and b). (6 marks)
3 The internal energy of a piece of copper is
increased by heating.
8 (IB) A container holds 20 g of neon and also 8 g
a) Explain what is meant, in this context, by
of helium. The molar mass of neon is 20 g and
internal energy and heating.
that of helium is 4 g.
b) The piece of copper has mass 0.25 kg. The
increase in internal energy of the copper is Calculate the ratio of the number of atoms of
1.2 × 103 J and its increase in temperature neon to the number of atoms of helium.
is 20 K. Estimate the specific heat capacity (2 marks)
of copper. (4 marks)
9 A fixed mass of an ideal gas is heated at
4 Calculate the amount of energy needed to raise constant volume. Sketch a graph to show
the temperature of 3.0 kg of steel from 20 °C to the variation with Celsius temperature t with
120 °C. The specific heat capacity of steel is pressure p of the gas? (3 marks)
490 J kg–1 K–1. (2 marks)
10 Under what conditions does the equation of
5 Calculate the energy supplied to 0.070 kg of state for an ideal gas, pV = nRT, apply to a
water contained in a copper cup of mass real gas? (2 marks)
0.080 kg. The temperature of the water and
the cup increases from 17 °C to 25 °C. 11 a) (i) Explain the difference between an ideal
Specific heat capacity of water = 4200 J kg K –1 –1 gas and a real gas.
Specific heat capacity of copper = 390 J kg–1 K–1 (ii) Explain why the internal energy of an ideal
(2 marks) gas comprises of kinetic energy only.
b) A fixed mass of an ideal gas has a volume of
870 cm3 at a pressure of 1.00 × 105 Pa and a
6 The temperature difference between the temperature of 20.0 °C. The gas is heated at
inlet and the outlet of an air-cooled engine is constant pressure to a temperature of 21.0 °C.
30.0 K. The engine generates 7.0 kW of waste
power that the air extracts from the engine. Calculate the change in volume of the gas.
Calculate the rate of flow of air (in kg s–1) (6 marks)
needed to extract this power.
Specific heat capacity of air (at constant pressure)
= 1.01 × 103 J kg–1 K–1 (3 marks)
113
14
33 TH E RMA L P HYS ICS
12 (IB) State the relation between

a) The pressure p of a fixed mass of an ideal (i) p1, p2, T1 and T ′
gas is directly proportional to the kelvin (ii) V1, V2, T′ and T2
temperature T of the gas, that is, p ∝ T.
c) Use your answers to b) to deduce, that for
(i) State the relation between the pressure an ideal gas
p and the volume V for a change at
pV = KT,
constant temperature.
where K is a constant. (6 marks)
(ii) State the relation between the volume
V and kelvin temperature T for a change
at a constant pressure. 13 A helium balloon has a volume of 0.25 m3
b) The ideal gas is held in a cylinder by a when it is released at ground level. The
moveable piston. The pressure of the temperature is 30 °C and the pressure
gas is p , its volume is V and its kelvin 1.01 ×105 Pa. The balloon reaches a height such
1
temperature is T .
1 that its temperature has fallen to –10 °C and its
1 pressure to 0.65 × 105 Pa.
The pressure, volume and temperature are
changed to p , V and T respectively. The a) Calculate the new volume of the balloon.
2 2 2
change is brought about as illustrated below. b) State two assumptions that must be made
about the helium in the balloon.
c) Calculate the number of moles of helium in
the balloon. (6 marks)
p1, V1, T1 p2, V1, T' p2, V2, T2
heated at constant volume to heated at constant pressure to

pressure p2 and temperature T' volume V2 and temperature T2
114
15
Exam-style questions
1 Body X whose temperature is 0 °C is brought into thermal contact with body Y of equal mass and temperature
100 C. The only exchanges of heat that take place are between X and Y. The specific heat capacity of X is greater
than that of Y. Which statement about the final equilibrium temperature T of the two bodies is correct?
A T = 50 °C
B 0 < T < 50 °C
C 100 °C > T > 50 °C
D Answer depends on value of mass
2 Energy is provided to a liquid at its boiling point at a rate of P joules per second. The rate at which mass is boiling
away is µ kg per second. The specific latent heat of vaporisation of the liquid is
P µ 1
A µP B C D
µ P µP
3 The following are all assumptions of the kinetic theory of gases, except which one?
A The duration of a collision is very small compared to the time in between collisions.
B The collisions are elastic.
C The average kinetic energy of molecules is proportional to temperature.
D The volume of molecules is negligible compared to the volume of the gas.
4 In the context of a fixed mass of an ideal gas, the graph could represent the variation of:
(0, 0)
A pressure with volume at constant temperature

B volume with Celsius temperature at constant pressure
C pressure with Celsius temperature at constant volume
D pressure with inverse volume at constant temperature
5 The temperature of an ideal gas of pressure 200 kPa is increased from 27 °C to 54 °C at constant volume. Which is
the best estimate for the new pressure of the gas?
A 400 kPa B 220 kPa C 180 kPa D 100 kPa
142
16
6 A container of an ideal gas that is isolated from its surroundings is divided into two parts. One part has double
the volume of the other. The pressure in each part is p and the temperature is the same. The partition is removed.
What is the pressure in the container now?
3p
A p B 2p C D 4p
2
7 Different quantities of two ideal gases X and Y are kept at the same temperature. Which of the following is a
correct comparison of the average kinetic energy and internal energy of the two gases?
Average kinetic energy Internal energy

A same same
B same different
C different same
D different different
8 The temperature of an ideal gas is doubled. The average speed of the molecules increases by a factor of
A √2 B 2 C 2 √2 D 4
9 Two ideal gases X and Y are kept at the same temperature. Gas X has molar mass mX and gas Y has molar mass Y.
The ratio of average speeds of the molecules of gas X to that of gas Y is
X Y X Y
A B C D
µY µX µY µX
10 The pressure of a fixed quantity of ideal gas is doubled. The average speed of the molecules is also doubled.
The original density of the gas is . Which is the new density of the gas?
A B C 2 D 4
2
11 a Calculate the volume of 1 mol of helium gas (molar mass 4 g mol−1) at temperature 273 K and
pressure 1.0 × 105 Pa. [2]
b i Find out how much volume corresponds to each molecule of helium. [2]
ii The diameter of an atom of helium is about 31 pm. Discuss whether or not the ideal gas is a good
approximation to the helium gas in a. [2]
c Consider now 1 mol of lead (molar mass 207 g mol−1, density 11.3 × 103 kg m−3). How much volume
corresponds to each atom of lead? [3]
d Find the ratio of these volumes (helium to lead) and hence determine the order of magnitude of the ratio:
separation of helium atoms to separation of lead atoms. [2]
3 THERMAL PHYSICS 143

17
12 a Define what is meant by specific heat capacity of a substance. [1]
b Consider two metals that have different specific heat capacities. The energies required to increase the
temperature of 1 mol of aluminium and 1 mol of copper by the same amount are about the same.Yet the
specific heat capacities of the two metals are very different. Suggest a reason for this. [2]
A hair dryer consists of a coil that warms air and a fan that blows the warm air out. The coil generates
thermal energy at a rate of 600 W. Take the density of air to be 1.25 kg m−3 and its specific heat capacity
to be 990 J kg−1 K−1. The dryer takes air from a room at 20 °C and delivers it at a temperature of 40 °C.
c What mass of air flows through the dryer per second? [2]
d What volume of air flows per second? [1]
e The warm air makes water in the hair evaporate. If the mass of water in the air is 180 g, calculate how
long it will take to dry the hair. (The heat required to evaporate 1 g of water at 40 °C is 2200 J.) [2]
13 The graph shows the variation with time of the speed of an object of mass 8.0 kg that has been dropped
(from rest) from a certain height.
v/m s–1 20
15
10
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
t/s
The body hits the ground 12 seconds later. The specific heat capacity of the object is 320 J kg−1 K−1.
a i Explain how we may deduce that there must be air resistance forces acting on the object. [2]
ii Estimate the height from which the object was dropped. [2]
iii Calculate the speed the object would have had if there were no air resistance forces. [2]
b Estimate the change in temperature of the body from the instant it was dropped to just before impact.
List any assumptions you make. [4]
144
18
14 A piece of tungsten of mass 50 g is placed over a flame for some time. The metal is then quickly transferred
to a well-insulated aluminium calorimeter of mass 120 g containing 300 g of water at 22 °C. After some time
the temperature of the water reaches a maximum value of 31 °C.
a State what is meant by the internal energy of a piece of tungsten. [1]
b Calculate the temperature of the flame.You may use these specific heat capacities:
water 4.2 × 103 J kg−1 K−1, tungsten 1.3 × 102 J kg−1 K−1 and aluminum 9.0 × 102 J kg−1 K−1. [3]
c State and explain whether the actual flame temperature is higher or lower than your answer to b. [2]
15 a Describe what is meant by the internal energy of a substance. [1]

b A student claims that the kelvin temperature of a body is a measure of its internal energy.
Explain why this statement is not correct by reference to a solid melting. [2]
c In an experiment, a heater of power 35 W is used to warm 0.240 kg of a liquid in an uninsulated
container. The graph shows the variation with time of the temperature of the liquid.
Temperature
Time
The liquid never reaches its boiling point.

Suggest why the temperature of the liquid approaches a constant value. [2]
d After the liquid reaches a constant temperature the heater is switched off . The temperature of the liquid
decreases at a rate of 3.1 K min−1.
Use this information to estimate the specific heat capacity of the liquid. [3]
16 The volume of air in a car tyre is about 1.50 × 10−2 m3 at a temperature of 0.0 °C and pressure 250 kPa.
a Calculate the number of molecules in the tyre. [2]
b Explain why, after the car is driven for a while, the pressure of the air in the tyre will increase. [3]
c Calculate the new pressure of the tyre when the temperature increases to 35 °C and the volume
expands to 1.60 × 10−2 m3.
d The car is parked for the night and the volume, pressure and temperature of the air in the tyre return to
their initial values. A small leak in the tyre reduces the pressure from 250 kPa to 230 kPa in the course
of 8 h. Estimate (stating any assumptions you make):
i the average rate of loss of molecules (in molecules per second) [2]
ii the total mass of air lost (take the molar mass of air to be 29 g mol−1). [3]
3 THERMAL PHYSICS 145

19
Topic 3.1a Thermal Energy Concepts
Conceptual Questions
(These questions are not in an IB style but instead designed to check your understanding of the concept of this topic. You should
try your best to appropriately communicate your answer using prose)
1. Object A, at 50°C is brought into contact with another object B, at 20°C. No heat is lost to the
surroundings.
a. Describe what happens to the temperature of object A. [1 mark]
b. Describe what happens to the temperature of object B. [1 mark]
c. Describe what will happen to the system of the two objects when they are lefts for a long
period of time. [2 marks]
2. A cup of hot tea at 80°C is left on a table in a large, open room.

a. Describe what happens to the thermal energy within the cup. [1 mark]
b. Describe what happens to the internal energy of the cup of tea. [1 mark]
c. Explain what happens to the temperature of the room. [2 marks]
20
3. A body at a given temperature of 300 K and internal energy of 8 x 106 J is split into equal halves.
a. State whether any heat been exchanged. [1 mark]
b. State the temperature of each half. [1 mark]
c. State the internal energy of each half. [1 mark]
4. State and explain if it is possible to increase the internal energy of the system without increasing
the temperature. [2 marks]
21
Topic 3.1b Specific Heat Problems
1. Define specific heat capacity. [1 mark]
2. A metal block of mass M is heated. The graph below shows the variation of the thermal energy supplied Q,
with the temperature change T. The gradient of the straight line graph is n. Determine an expression in
terms of M and n for the specific heat capacity of the mass. [2 marks]
3. Deduce why that when two objects are brought into contact with each other, no thermal energy is
transferred. [1 mark]
4. A block of metal of temperature 90°C is placed into a beaker of water of temperature 0°C. The mass of the
water and the metal block are the same. The final temperature of the water and the metal block is found to
be 9°C. Estimate the ratio of:
𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟

𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑙
[2 marks]
22
5. Calculate the amount of thermal energy needed to raise the temperature of 3.2kg of water from 22°C to
83°C. [1 mark]
6. Calculate the amount of heat required is required to raise the temperature of an empty 20-kg vat made of
iron from 10-°C to 90-°C. Determine the heat required if the same vat is then filled with 20-kg of water. [4
marks]
7. To measure the specific heat of lead, you heat 600-g of lead to 100-°C and place it in an aluminium
calorimeter of mass 200-g that contains 500-g of water initially at 17.3°C. If the final temperature of the
mixture is 20.0°C, calculate the specific heat of lead. [3 marks]
23
8. A 1.5kW kettle is used to boil 400-g of water. If the water is initially at 20-°C, determine the length of time
required. Assume no heat is lost to the kettle or to the surroundings. [2 marks]
9. A 0.095kg sphere of aluminium is dropped from the roof of a 45m high building. If 65% of the thermal energy
produced when it hits the ground is absorbed by the sphere, calculate the temperature increase. [3 marks]
Substance Specific Heat, c (J kg-1 °C-1)

Aluminium 900
Copper 390
Glass 840
Ice 2100
Iron 450
Lead ???
Water 4186
For all of the questions on this page please use the following information as needed.
24
Topic 3.1c Latent Heat Problems
1. Define specific latent heat.
2. Describe the process of a change of phase from a liquid to a gas in terms of the kinetic energy, potential
energy, and the particles. [4 marks]
3. Explain, in terms of the particles, why when thermal energy is added the temperature does not increase
when a substance changes phase. Think about the relationship between the distance and potential energy of
the particles. [2 marks]
4. Draw the diagram below. For each letter, A to E, label the diagram with the name of the correct phase. [3
marks]
A B
C D E
A: Solid; B: Solid-Liquid; C: Liquid; D: Liquid-Gas; E: Gas
5. Water has a specific latent heat of fusion of 333 kJ/kg and a specific latent heat of vaporization of 2260 kJ/kg.
a. Determine the thermal energy required to turn 1.3kg of ice at 0°C completely to water at 0°C. [1
mark]
b. Determine the thermal energy required to turn water, of the same mass, at 100°C completely to
water at 100°C. [1 mark]
25
c. State why the energy required to turn water from a liquid to gas is much greater than that required
to turn it from a solid to a liquid. [1 mark]
6. Calculate how much energy a freezer has to remove from 1.5kg of water at 20-°C to make ice at -12°C.
Specific heat of ice is 2100 J/kg °C [3 marks]
7. 0.50kg of ice at -10-°C is placed in 3.0kg of water at 20-°C.

a. Determine the final phase of the mixture. Assume that no energy is lost to the surroundings or to
the container. [2 marks]
b. Determine the final temperature of the mixture now that you know the phase. [3 marks]
26
8. The process of sweating in humans is in order to decrease the body temperature.
a. Explain in terms of the particles why when sweat evaporates it causes a person to cool. [3 marks]
b. State and explain 2 factors that affect the rate of evaporation. [4 marks]
27
Topic 3.2a Kinetic Model Problems
(These questions are not in an IB style but instead designed to check your understanding of the concept of this topic. You
should try your best to appropriately communicate your answer using prose)
1. One of the assumptions of Kinetic Theory of Gases is that the collisions of the particles are perfectly elastic.
Explain why this assumption would be made.
2. A gas is heated inside a cylinder of fixed volume. Explain, in terms of the particles, why the pressure to
increases.
3. A gas is heated in a cylinder with a moveable piston. Explain, in terms of the particles, why the volume of a
gas increases when the temperature increases to maintain constant pressure.
4. A gas is compressed slowly by a piston. Explain why the temperature will stay the same.
28
Topic 3.2a Moles and Avogadro’s Number
Calculation Questions
1. A quantity of nitrogen gas contains 2.7 x 1025 molecules.
a. State the molar mass of nitrogen. [1 mark]
b. Find the number of moles. [1 mark]
c. Determine the mass of the nitrogen. [1 mark]
2. The density of aluminium is 2.7 g cm-3 and its molar mass is 27 g mol-1.
a. Find the mass of an atom of aluminium. [2 marks]
b. Find the number of atoms per cubic metre. [2 marks]
29
Topic 3.2b Gas Laws Problems
(These questions are not in an IB style but instead designed to check your understanding of the concept of this topic. You
should try your best to appropriately communicate your answer using prose)
1. Describe the two features which much be met for an ideal gas.
2. Describe the conditions must an ideal gas be in for it to behave as close to an ideal gas as possible.
Calculation-based Questions
1. What are the following temperatures in Kelvin: (a) 86°C, (b) -100°C, (c) 5500°C? [3 Marks]
2. Determine the volume (in Litres) of 1.00mol of any gas, assuming it behaves like an ideal gas at STP.
3. If 3.00m3 of gas initially at STP is placed under a pressure of 3.20atm, the temperature of the gas rises to
38.0°C, What is the volume?
30
4. In an internal combustion engine, air at atmospheric pressure and a temperature of about 20°C is
compressed in the cylinder by a piston to 1/9 of its original volume. Estimate the temperature of the
compressed air, assuming the pressure reaches 40atm.
5. A helium party balloon, assumed to be a perfect sphere , has a radius of 18.0cm. At room temperature
(20°C), its internal pressure is 1.05atm. Find the number of moles of helium in the balloon and the mass of
helium needed to inflate the balloon to these values.
6. A storage tank at STP contains 18.5kg of nitrogen (N2). (a) What is the volume of the tank? (b) What is the
pressure if an additional 15.0kg of nitrogen is added without changing the temperature? [6 marks]
31
7. Estimate how many molecules of air are in each 2.0L breath that you inhale that were in the last breath ever
took by Galileo. (a) Calculate number of air particles, assume standard temperature and pressure and that
his lungs were also 2.0L; (b) Calculate the volume of the breathable atmosphere. Assume that this is a
spherical shell 10km in height and of uniform density; (c) Finally, determine the number of molecules
breathed in per 2.0L breath. [8 marks]
8. What is the average translational kinetic energy of an oxygen molecule at STP? What is the total
translational kinetic energy of 2.0mol of oxygen molecules at 20°C? [4 marks]
9. Calculate the rms speed of helium atoms near the surface of the Sun at a temperature of about 6000K. [2
marks]
10. By what factor (ratio) will the rms speed of gas molecules increase if the temperature in increased from 0°C
to 100°C?
32
Topic 3: Thermal Physics
1. Two different objects are in thermal contact with one another. The objects are at different temperatures.
The temperatures of the two objects determine
A. the process by which thermal energy is transferred.
B. the heat capacity of each object.
C. the direction of transfer of thermal energy between the objects.
D. the amount of internal energy in each object.

(1)
2. The kelvin temperature of an object is a measure of
A. the total energy of the molecules of the object.
B. the total kinetic energy of the molecules of the object.
C. the maximum energy of the molecules of the object.
D. the average kinetic energy of the molecules of the object.

(1)
3. Two bodies are brought into thermal contact with each other. No thermal energy transfer takes place
between the bodies. It may be deduced therefore, that the bodies must have the same
A. specific heat capacity. B. heat capacity. C. temperature. D. internal energy.

(1)
4. Which two values of temperature are equivalent to the nearest degree when measured on the Kelvin and
on the Celsius scales of temperature?
Kelvin scale Celsius scale

A. 40 313
B. 273 100
C. 313 40
D. 373 0
(1)
5. During an experiment, a solid is heated from 285 K to 298 K.
Which one of the following gives the rise in temperature, in deg C, and the final temperature, in °C, of
the solid?
Rise in temperature in deg C Final temperature in °C
A. 13 571
B. 13 25
C. 286 571
D. 286 25
(1)
33 1
6. Which of the following is the internal energy of a system?
A. The total thermal energy gained by the system during melting and boiling.
B. The sum of the potential and the kinetic energies of the particles of the system.
C. The total external work done on the system during melting and boiling.
D. The change in the potential energy of the system that occurs during melting and boiling.
(1)
7. A container holds 20 g of neon (mass number 20) and also 8 g of helium (mass number 4).
number of atoms of neon

What is the ratio ?
number of atoms of helium
A. 0.4 B. 0.5 C. 2.0 D. 2.5

(1)
8. The molar mass of water is 18 g. The approximate number of water molecules in a glass of water is
A. 1022. B. 1025. C. 1028. D. 1031.

(1)
9. The specific heat capacity of an object is defined as the thermal energy required to raise the temperature
of
A. the volume of the object by 1 K.
B. unit volume of the object by 1 K.
C. the mass of the object by 1 K.
D. unit mass of the object by 1 K.

(1)
10.
A
thermometer
heater
metal block
The specific heat capacity of a metal block of mass m is determined by placing a heating coil in its centre,
as shown in the diagram above.
The block is heated for time t and the maximum temperature change recorded is Δθ. The ammeter and
voltmeter readings during the heating are I and V respectively.
The specific heat capacity is best calculated using which one of the following expressions?
VIt VI m Δθ mΔθ
A. c= B. c = C. c = D. c=
m Δθ mΔθ VI VIt
(1)
34 2
11. The specific heat capacity c of a solid block of mass m is determined by heating the block and measuring
its temperature. The graph below shows the variation of the temperature T of the block with the thermal
energy Q transferred to the block.
0 Q
The gradient of the line is equal to
c m 1
A. . B. . C. mc. D. .
m c mc
(1)
12. Which of the following correctly shows the changes, if any, in the potential energy and in the kinetic
energy of the molecules of a solid as it melts?
Potential energy Kinetic energy

A. Decreases Increases
B. Increases Stays the same
C. Stays the same Decreases
D. Stays the same Stays the same

(1)
13. A substance changes from solid to liquid at its normal melting temperature. What change, if any, occurs
in the average kinetic energy and the average potential energy of its molecules?
Average kinetic energy Average potential energy

A. constant constant
B. increases constant
C. increases decreases
D. constant increases
(1)
14. The specific latent heat of vaporization of a substance is greater than its specific latent heat of fusion
because
A. boiling takes place at a higher temperature than melting.
B. thermal energy is required to raise the temperature from the melting point to the boiling point.
C. the volume of the substance decreases on freezing but increases when boiling.
D. the increase in potential energy of the molecules is greater on boiling than on melting.
(1)
35 3
15. The specific latent heat of vaporization of a substance is the quantity of energy required to
A. raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius.
B. convert a unit mass of liquid to vapour at constant temperature and pressure.
C. convert a unit mass of solid to vapour at constant temperature and pressure.
D. convert a unit mass of liquid to vapour at a temperature of 100°C and a pressure of one
atmosphere.
(1)
16. A substance is heated at a constant rate. The sketch graph shows the variation with time t of the
temperature θ of the substance.
X Y
W
= 0 t
In which region or regions of the graph must there be more than one phase of the substance present?
A. WX and YZ
B. WX only
C. WX, XY and YZ
D. XY only
(1)
17. Which of the following is not an assumption on which the kinetic model of an ideal gas is based?
A. All molecules behave as if they are perfectly elastic spheres.
B. The mean-square speed of the molecules is proportional to the kelvin temperature.
C. Unless in contact, the forces between molecules are negligible.
D. The molecules are in continuous random motion.

(1)
36 4
18. A gas is contained in a cylinder fitted with a piston as shown below.
piston
gas
When the gas is compressed rapidly by the piston its temperature rises because the molecules of the gas
A. are squeezed closer together.
B. collide with each other more frequently.
C. collide with the walls of the container more frequently.
D. gain energy from the moving piston.

(1)
19. The temperature of an ideal gas is reduced. Which one of the following statements is true?
A. The molecules collide with the walls of the container less frequently.
B. The molecules collide with each other more frequently.
C. The time of contact between the molecules and the wall is reduced.
D. The time of contact between molecules is increased.

(1)
20. When a gas in a cylinder is compressed at constant temperature by a piston, the pressure of the gas
increases. Consider the following three statements.
I. The rate at which the molecules collide with the piston increases.
II. The average speed of the molecules increases.
III. The molecules collide with each other more often.
Which statement(s) correctly explain the increase in pressure?
A. I only
B. II only
C. I and II only
D. I and III only

(1)
21. The equation of state for an ideal gas, pV = nRT, describes the behaviour of real gases
A. only at low pressures and large volumes.
B. only at high temperatures.
C. only at large volumes and large pressures.
D. at all pressures and volumes.

(1)
37 5
22. Two identical boxes X and Y each contain an ideal gas.
Box X Box Y
n moles 2n moles
temperature T T
temperature
3
pressure PX
pressure PY
In box X there are n moles of the gas at temperature T and pressure PX. In box Y there are 2n moles of
T
the gas at temperature and pressure PY.
3
PX
The ratio is
PY
2 3
A. . B. . C. 2. D. 3.
3 2
(1)
23. The equation of state of an ideal gas is
pV = nRT.
In this equation, the constant n is the number of
A. atoms in the gas. B. molecules in the gas.
C. particles in the gas. D. moles of the gas.

(1)
24. An ideal gas is kept in a container of fixed volume at a temperature of 30 οC and a pressure of 6.0 atm. The
gas is heated at constant volume to a temperature of 330 oC.
Pressure 6.0 atm New pressure
Temperature 30 οC Temperature 330 οC
gas gas
The new pressure of the gas is about
A. 0.60 atm. B. 3.0 atm. C. 12 atm. D. 66 atm.

(1)
38 6
25. The graph below shows the variation with volume of the pressure of a system.
5 5
Pressure / 10 Pa
4 Q
1 P R
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Volume / m3
The work done in compressing the gas from R to P is
A. 5.0 × 105 J. B. 4.5 × 105 J. C. 3.0 × 105 J. D. 0.

(1)
26. The diagram shows the variation with volume V of pressure p during one complete cycle of a heat engine.
1
p
A
3 2
0
0 V
The work done is represented by the area
A. A. B. B. C. (B + A). D. (B – A).
(1)
27. A sample of an ideal gas is held in an insulated container and it undergoes an adiabatic change. The graph
below shows the change in pressure p with change in volume V as the gas changes from X to Y.
p Y
Which of the following describes correctly the work done and the change in the internal energy of the gas?
Work done Internal energy

A. on the gas increases
B. on the gas decreases
C. by the gas decreases
D. by the gas increases
(1)
39 7
28. The graph below shows the variation with volume V of the pressure p of a gas during one cycle of an
engine.
p
Q
S
During which operations, PQ, QR, RS and SP does the gas do external work?
A. PQ only
B. RS only
C. QR and RS only
D. PQ and RS only
(1)
29. A fixed mass of an ideal gas is heated at constant volume. Which one of the following graphs best shows
the variation with Celsius temperature t with pressure p of the gas?
(1)
40 8
30. The graph below shows the variation with absolute temperature T of the pressure p of one mole of an
ideal gas having a volume V. R is the molar gas constant.
p
Which of the following is the best interpretation of the intercept on the temperature axis and the gradient
of the graph?
Intercept on temperature axis / K Gradient of graph

A. R
– 273
V
B. R
0
V
C. V
0
R
D. V
– 273
R
(1)
-1
31. Let the average translational kinetic energy, at a temperature T, of helium (molar mass 4 g mol ) be K. The
average translational kinetic energy, at the same temperature, of neon (molar mass 20 g mol-1) would be
A. 5K. B. 5K. C. K. D. 1/5K
32. The atomic mass number of helium is 4 while that of neon is 20, and both are monatomic gases. When both gases
are at the same temperature, the ratio of the average speeds of helium atoms to neon atoms will be
A. 1 : 1. B. 5 : 1. C. 5 : 1 D. 25 : 1.
Short answer questions
1. This question is about the change of phase (state) of ice.
A quantity of crushed ice is removed from a freezer and placed in a calorimeter. Thermal energy is
supplied to the ice at a constant rate. To ensure that all the ice is at the same temperature, it is continually
stirred. The temperature of the contents of the calorimeter is recorded every 15 seconds.
The graph below shows the variation with time t of the temperature θ of the contents of the calorimeter.
(Uncertainties in the measured quantities are not shown.)
41 9
(a) On the graph above, mark with an X, the data point on the graph at which all the ice has just
melted.
(1)
(b) Explain, with reference to the energy of the molecules, the constant temperature region of the
graph.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
The mass of the ice is 0.25 kg and the specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J kg–1 K–1.
(c) Use these data and data from the graph to
(i) deduce that energy is supplied to the ice at the rate of about 530 W.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(ii) determine the specific heat capacity of ice.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
42 10
(iii) determine the specific latent heat of fusion of ice.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 12 marks)
2. Gases and liquids
(a) Describe two differences, in terms of molecular structure, between a gas and a liquid.
1. .........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
2. .........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(b) The temperture of an ideal gas is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules of the
gas. Explain why the average kinetic energy is specified.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
(c) Define specific heat capacity.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(1)
43 11
(d) Water is heated at a constant rate in a container that has negligible heat capacity. The container is
thermally insulated from the surroundings.
The sketch-graph below shows the variation with time of the temperature of the water.
temperature / C
A B
20
0 420 time / s
The following data are available:
initial mass of water = 0.40 kg

initial temp of water = 200C
rate at which water is heated = 300 W
specific heat capacity of water = 4.2 × 103 J kg–10C−1
(i) State the reason why the temperature is constant in the region AB.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Calculate the temperature θ at which the water starts to boil.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(5)
(e) All the water is boiled away 3.0 × 103 s after it first starts to boil. Determine a value for the specific
latent heat L of vaporization of water.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 13 marks)
44 12
3. This question is about modelling the thermal processes involved when a person is running.
When running, a person generates thermal energy but maintains approximately constant temperature.
(a) Explain what thermal energy and temperature mean. Distinguish between the two concepts.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
The following simple model may be used to estimate the rise in temperature of a runner assuming no
thermal energy is lost.
A closed container holds 70 kg of water, representing the mass of the runner. The water is heated at a rate
of 1200 W for 30 minutes. This represents the energy generation in the runner.
(b) (i) Show that the thermal energy generated by the heater is 2.2 × 106 J.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii) Calculate the temperature rise of the water, assuming no energy losses from the water. The
specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J kg−1 K−1.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(c) The temperature rise calculated in (b) would be dangerous for the runner. Outline three
mechanisms, other than evaporation, by which the container in the model would transfer energy to
its surroundings.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(6)
45 13
A further process by which energy is lost from the runner is the evaporation of sweat.
(d) (i) Describe, in terms of molecular behaviour, why evaporation causes cooling.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(ii) Percentage of generated energy lost by sweating: 50%

Specific latent heat of vaporization of sweat: 2.26 × 106 J kg−1
Using the information above, and your answer to (b) (i), estimate the mass of sweat
evaporated from the runner.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(iii) State and explain two factors that affect the rate of evaporation of sweat from the skin of the
runner.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 25 marks)
46 14
4. This question is about an ideal gas.
(a) The pressure P of a fixed mass of an ideal gas is directly proportional to the kelvin temperature T
of the gas. That is,
P ∝ T.
State
(i) the relation between the pressure P and the volume V for a change at constant temperature;
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) the relation between the volume V and kelvin temperature T for a change at a constant
pressure.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(b) The ideal gas is held in a cylinder by a moveable piston. The pressure of the gas is P1, its volume is
V1 and its kelvin temperature is T1.
The pressure, volume and temperature are changed to P2, V2 and T2 respectively. The change is
brought about as illustrated below.
P1 , V1 , T1 P2 , V1 , T / P2 , V2 , T2
heated at constant volume to heated at constant pressure to

pressure P2 and temperature T / volume V2 and temperature T 2
State the relation between
(i) P1, P2, T1 and T’.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) V1, V2, T’ and T2.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
47 15
(c) Use your answers to (b) to deduce, that for an ideal gas
PV = KT
where K is a constant.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 8 marks)
5. (a) State what is meant by an ideal gas.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(b) The internal volume of a gas cylinder is 2.0 × 10–2 m3. An ideal gas is pumped into the cylinder
until the pressure becomes 20 MPa at a temperature of 17°C.
Determine
(i) the number of moles of gas in the cylinder;
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii) the number of gas atoms in the cylinder.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(c) (i) Using your answers in (b), determine the average volume occupied by one gas atom.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Estimate a value for the average separation of the gas atoms.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 9 marks)
48 16
6. This question is about thermodynamic processes.
(a) State what is meant by the concept of internal energy of an ideal gas.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(1)
(b) The diagram below shows the variation with volume of the pressure of a fixed mass of an ideal
gas.
B
pressure
A C
0
0 volume
The change from B to C is an isothermal change at 546 K. At point A, the pressure of the gas is
1.01 × 105 Pa, the volume of the gas is 22.0 m3 and the temperature of the gas is 273 K.
(i) State the temperature of the gas at point C;
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Calculate the volume of the gas at point C.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(c) For the change from B to C, 31.5 × 105 J of thermal energy is transferred to the gas.
(i) State the work done in the change from A to B.
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Determine the work done during the change C to A.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
49 17
(iii) Explain whether the work in (ii) is done by the gas or on the gas.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(iv) Determine the work done by the gas during one cycle ABCA.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 11 marks)
7. Gas expansion
A quantity of gas is enclosed in a metal cylinder fitted with a piston. There are very many gas molecules, but
they are represented in the diagram by the ten molecules shown, with velocities indicated. The cylinder
walls are thermally conducting.
(a) Explain in terms of molecular motions how pressure arises on the face of the piston.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................[2]
(b) If gravity acts on the molecules, why do they not all fall down and accumulate stationary at the lower
surface? Explain.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................[2]
Suppose the piston is moved outwards with sufficient time allowed so that the gas temperature is the same
afterwards. The diagram below shows the piston position where the gas volume has doubled.
50 18
(c) How does the average kinetic energy of the gas molecules compare before and after this expansion?
Explain.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................[2]
(d) Draw in ten representative gas molecules on the diagram above, including representative velocity
vectors, to illustrate the situation after expansion. Explain your diagram briefly. [2]
(e) Explain, in terms of molecular motion, why the pressure exerted by the gas on the piston is less in
the expanded situation you have drawn.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................[2]
(f) If the gas pressure was 300 kPa before expansion, calculate the pressure after expansion, when the
volume has doubled.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................[2]
(g) Is work done as the piston moves outwards? If so, is it done on the gas or by the gas?
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................[2]
(Total 14 marks)
51 19
Topic 3 (New) [37 marks]
A closed box of fixed volume 0.15 m 3 contains 3.0 mol of an ideal monatomic gas. The
temperature of the gas is 290 K.
1a. Calculate the pressure of the gas. [1 mark]
When the gas is supplied with 0.86 kJ of energy, its temperature increases by 23 K. The specific
heat capacity of the gas is 3.1 kJ kg–1 K–1.
1b. Calculate, in kg, the mass of the gas. [1 mark]
1c. Calculate the average kinetic energy of the particles of the gas. [1 mark]
52an ideal gas, how an increase in

Explain, with reference to the kinetic model of
1d. Explain, with reference to the kinetic model of an ideal gas, how an increase in [3 marks]
temperature of the gas leads to an increase in pressure.
An ideal monatomic gas is kept in a container of volume 2.1 × 10 –4 m 3, temperature 310 K and
pressure 5.3 × 105 Pa.
2a. State what is meant by an ideal gas. [1 mark]
2b. Calculate the number of atoms in the gas. [1 mark]
2c. Calculate, in J, the internal energy of the gas. [2 marks]
53 × 10 –4 m 3 at constant temperature.
The volume of the gas in (a) is increased to 6.8
The volume of the gas in (a) is increased to 6.8 × 10 –4 m 3 at constant temperature.
2d. Calculate, in Pa, the new pressure of the gas. [1 mark]
2e. Explain, in terms of molecular motion, this change in pressure. [2 marks]
A large cube is formed from ice. A light ray is54

incident from a vacuum at an angle of 46˚ to the
A large cube is formed from ice. A light ray is incident from a vacuum at an angle of 46˚ to the
normal on one surface of the cube. The light ray is parallel to the plane of one of the sides of the
cube. The angle of refraction inside the cube is 33˚.
3a. Calculate the speed of light inside the ice cube. [2 marks]
3b. Show that no light emerges from side AB. [3 marks]
3c. Sketch, on the diagram, the subsequent path of the light ray. [2 marks]
Each side of the ice cube is 0.75 m in length.55

The initial temperature of the ice cube is –20 °C.
Each side of the ice cube is 0.75 m in length. The initial temperature of the ice cube is –20 °C.
3d. Determine the energy required to melt all of the ice from –20 °C to water at [4 marks]
a temperature of 0 °C.
Specific latent heat of fusion of ice = 330 kJ kg –1
Specific heat capacity of ice = 2.1 kJ kg –1 k–1
Density of ice = 920 kg m –3
3e. Outline the difference between the molecular structure of a solid and a liquid. [1 mark]
4a. Define internal energy. [2 marks]
56 in a cylinder. The gas has a volume of

0.46 mole of an ideal monatomic gas is trapped
4b. 0.46 mole of an ideal monatomic gas is trapped in a cylinder. The gas has a volume of [4 marks]
21 m3 and a pressure of 1.4 Pa.
(i) State how the internal energy of an ideal gas differs from that of a real gas.
(ii) Determine, in kelvin, the temperature of the gas in the cylinder.
(iii) The kinetic theory of ideal gases is one example of a scientific model. Identify one reason
why scientists find such models useful.
57 heat of fusion of ice, an ice cube is dropped

In an experiment to determine the specific latent

t3 All Questions Topic 3

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

t3 All Questions Topic 3

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

3 Thermal physics

3.1 Thermal concepts

5 Explain the graph in question 4 in terms of molecular behaviour.

3.1 Thermal concepts

Specific heat capacity

3.1 Thermal concepts

Temperature and internal energy

3.2 Modelling a gas

3.2 Modelling a gas

Resistance in melting ice 240 Ω

(a) What is the change in resistance for a change in temperature of 1°C?

3. A 2kg block of wood slides down the slope as shown.

(c) Energy transferred to internal energy.

4. Explain how heat is transferred to the food on a barbecue grill.

© Chris Hamper, InThinking

© Chris Hamper, InThinking

4. A gas undergoes the transformation shown in the PV graph below.

(b) Calculate the work done.

© Chris Hamper, InThinking

12 (IB) State the relation between

p1, V1, T1 p2, V1, T' p2, V2, T2

heated at constant volume to heated at constant pressure to

A pressure with volume at constant temperature

Average kinetic energy Internal energy

3 THERMAL PHYSICS 143

15 a Describe what is meant by the internal energy of a substance. [1]

The liquid never reaches its boiling point.

3 THERMAL PHYSICS 145

b. Describe what happens to the temperature of object B. [1 mark]

2. A cup of hot tea at 80°C is left on a table in a large, open room.

c. Explain what happens to the temperature of the room. [2 marks]

b. State the temperature of each half. [1 mark]

c. State the internal energy of each half. [1 mark]

𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟

Substance Specific Heat, c (J kg-1 °C-1)

A: Solid; B: Solid-Liquid; C: Liquid; D: Liquid-Gas; E: Gas

7. 0.50kg of ice at -10-°C is placed in 3.0kg of water at 20-°C.

b. Find the number of moles. [1 mark]

c. Determine the mass of the nitrogen. [1 mark]

b. Find the number of atoms per cubic metre. [2 marks]

Topic 3: Thermal Physics

A. the process by which thermal energy is transferred.

B. the heat capacity of each object.

C. the direction of transfer of thermal energy between the objects.

D. the amount of internal energy in each object.

2. The kelvin temperature of an object is a measure of

A. the total energy of the molecules of the object.

B. the total kinetic energy of the molecules of the object.

C. the maximum energy of the molecules of the object.

D. the average kinetic energy of the molecules of the object.

A. specific heat capacity. B. heat capacity. C. temperature. D. internal energy.

Kelvin scale Celsius scale

5. During an experiment, a solid is heated from 285 K to 298 K.

Rise in temperature in deg C Final temperature in °C

6. Which of the following is the internal energy of a system?

number of atoms of neon

A. 0.4 B. 0.5 C. 2.0 D. 2.5

A. 1022. B. 1025. C. 1028. D. 1031.

A. the volume of the object by 1 K.

B. unit volume of the object by 1 K.

C. the mass of the object by 1 K.

D. unit mass of the object by 1 K.

The gradient of the line is equal to