Topic B [137 marks]

1. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.SL.TZ0.7

The internal energy of a real gas is

A. zero.

B. equal to the intermolecular potential energy of the particles.

C. equal to the total kinetic energy of the particles.

D. equal to the sum of the intermolecular potential energy and the total kinetic energy
of the particles. [1]

Markscheme

D
2. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.SL.TZ0.8
The black-body radiation curve of an object at 600 K is shown. The intensity units are
arbitrary.

What is the radiation curve of the same object at 450 K?

The original curve is shown with a dashed line.

[1]

Markscheme

A
3. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.SL.TZ0.9
Star X has a luminosity L and an apparent brightness b. Star X is at a distance d from Earth.

Star Y has the same apparent brightness as X but is four times more luminous.

What is the distance of Star Y from Earth?

A. 4d

B. 2d

C.
d

D.
d

4
[1]

Markscheme

B
4. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.SL.TZ0.10
Four identical resistors, each of resistance R, are connected as shown.

What is the effective resistance between P and Q?

A.
3R

B. R

C.
4R

D. 4R [1]

Markscheme

A
5. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.SL.TZ0.11
Conductor X is connected to a cell of emf E. A power of 16 W is dissipated in X.

Conductor Y is made from the same material with the same diameter as X but is twice as
long. A cell of emf 2E is connected to Y.

Both cells have negligible internal resistance.

What power is dissipated in Y?

A. 8.0 W

B. 16 W

C. 32 W

D. 64 W [1]

Markscheme

C
6. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.SL.TZ0.12
Two containers, X and Y, are filled with an ideal gas at the same pressure.

The volume of X is four times the volume of Y. The temperature of X is 327 °C and the
temperature of Y is 27 °C.

What is ?
amount of substance in X

amount of substance in Y

A. 1

B. 1

C. 2

D. 8 [1]

Markscheme

7. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.HL.TZ0.10

The internal energy of a real gas is

A. zero.

B. equal to the intermolecular potential energy of the particles.

C. equal to the total kinetic energy of the particles.

D. equal to the sum of the intermolecular potential energy and the total kinetic energy
of the particles. [1]

Markscheme

D
8. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.HL.TZ0.11
A gas undergoes one cycle of a cyclic process.

The net change in internal energy of the gas is

A. zero.

B. positive.

C. negative.

D. determined by the initial temperature of the gas. [1]

Markscheme

9. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.HL.TZ0.12

A working refrigerator with the door open is placed in a sealed room.

The entropy of the room

A. is zero.

B. decreases.

C. remains unchanged.

D. increases. [1]

Markscheme

D
10. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.HL.TZ0.13
The black-body radiation curve of an object at 600 K is shown. The intensity units are
arbitrary.

What is the radiation curve of the same object at 450 K?

The original curve is shown with a dashed line.

[1]

Markscheme

A
11. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.HL.TZ0.14
Star X has a luminosity L and an apparent brightness b. Star X is at a distance d from Earth.

Star Y has the same apparent brightness as X but is four times more luminous.

What is the distance of Star Y from Earth?

A. 4d

B. 2d

C.
d

D.
d

4
[1]

Markscheme

B
12. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.HL.TZ0.15
Four identical resistors, each of resistance R, are connected as shown.

What is the effective resistance between P and Q?

A.
3R

B. R

C.
4R

D. 4R [1]

Markscheme

A
13. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.HL.TZ0.16
Conductor X is connected to a cell of emf E. A power of 16 W is dissipated in X.

Conductor Y is made from the same material with the same diameter as X but is twice as
long. A cell of emf 2E is connected to Y.

Both cells have negligible internal resistance.

What power is dissipated in Y?

A. 8.0 W

B. 16 W

C. 32 W

D. 64 W [1]

Markscheme

C
14. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.HL.TZ0.17
Two containers, X and Y, are filled with an ideal gas at the same pressure.

The volume of X is four times the volume of Y. The temperature of X is 327 °C and the
temperature of Y is 27 °C.

What is ?
amount of substance in X

amount of substance in Y

A. 1

B. 1

C. 2

D. 8 [1]

Markscheme

C
15. [Maximum mark: 6] SPM.2.SL.TZ0.5
The star δ Vel A is a main sequence star that has a black-body spectrum as shown.

(a) Show that the surface temperature of δ Vel A is about 9000 K. [1]

Markscheme

−3
2.9×10
correct substitution into λmax =
T
OR 9350 K ✓

(b) The apparent brightness of δ Vel A is 2.2 × 10−9 W m−2 and it is 6.2 × 1014 km from
Earth.

Estimate the radius of δ Vel A. [3]

Markscheme

Attempted use of L = 4πbd

2
✓

L
use of r√ 4πσT
4
✓

r = 1. 4 Gm ✓

Accept a range of values between 1.3 to 1.5 Gm

(c) The radius of the Sun, R⊙, is 7.0 × 105 km.

Sketch, on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, the position of δ Vel A.

 [2]

Markscheme

Shows r ≈ 2R⊙ ✓

Correct position on diagram ✓

✓
 [use of 9000 K gives 2.2R⊙]

16. [Maximum mark: 5] SPM.2.SL.TZ0.6

Small pieces of solid paraffin with a total mass of 30 g at a temperature of 42 °C are mixed with 150
g of liquid paraffin at a temperature of 240 °C. The mixture is stirred until an equilibrium
temperature is reached.

The following data for paraffin are available:

Specific heat capacity of solid paraffin = 0.7 kJ kg−1 K−1

Specific heat capacity of liquid paraffin = 2.13 kJ kg−1 K−1
Specific latent heat of fusion of paraffin = 220 kJ kg−1
Melting point of paraffin = 47 °C

(a) Calculate the theoretical equilibrium temperature of the mixture. [3]

Markscheme

3 3 3
(0. 030 × 0. 7 × 10 × 5) + (0. 030 × 220 × 10 ) + (0. 030 × 2. 13 × 10 )(T − 47)

3
= (0. 150 × 2. 13 × 10 )(240 − T )

One heat capacity term correctly substituted ✓

latent heat correctly substituted (0. 030 × 220 × 103) ✓

T = 190 «°C» ✓

(b) When the experiment was carried out, the equilibrium temperature of the mixture
was found to be different from the theoretical value.

Suggest the reason for this difference. [2]

Markscheme

Experimental temperature will be lower ✓

Heat loss to the environment ✓

17. [Maximum mark: 6] SPM.2.SL.TZ0.4
A smoke detector uses the radioactive nuclide americium-241.

The americium is contained in a chamber that is open to the air. There are two electrodes in the
chamber that are connected to a power supply and a current sensor.

Americium-241 emits alpha particles that ionize the air in the chamber. Each ionization forms one
positive ion and one electron; these are called an ion pair. The electrons and the positive ions
move towards the electrodes and the sensor detects a current in the air.

When smoke enters the chamber, fewer ion pairs are formed and the current in the sensor
decreases, sounding an alarm.

The chamber is 0.10 m in each dimension.

(a) A nucleus of americium-241 has 146 neutrons. This nuclide decays to

neptunium through alpha emission.

Complete the nuclear equation for this decay.

[2]

Markscheme

Am ✓
241
95

α✓
237 4
Np + 2
93
(b) Outline why the radioactive source is safe for use in a house. [1]

Markscheme

Alpha particles only travel a few cm in air / penetration of alpha particles is poor (and will not
escape the chamber) ✓

OWTTE

The initial activity of the source is 42 kBq. 33% of the alpha particles emitted by this source enter
the chamber and form an ion pair.

Each alpha particle has an initial kinetic energy of 5.5 MeV.

The energy required to form one ion pair is 15 eV.

(c) Calculate the maximum current in the chamber due to the electrons when there is
no smoke in the chamber. [3]

Markscheme

6
5.5×10
Each alpha gives rise to 15
= 3. 67 × 10
5
ion pairs ✓

5
3.67×10 ×42000 9
So 3
= 5. 13 × 10 ion pairs per second ✓

−19 9 −9
current = 1. 6 × 10 × 5. 13 × 10 = 0. 82 × 10 «A» ✓
18. [Maximum mark: 6] SPM.2.HL.TZ0.8
Small pieces of solid paraffin with a total mass of 30 g at a temperature of 42 °C are mixed with 150
g of liquid paraffin at a temperature of 240 °C. The mixture is stirred until an equilibrium
temperature is reached.

The following data for paraffin are available:

Specific heat capacity of solid paraffin = 0.7 kJ kg−1 K−1

Specific heat capacity of liquid paraffin = 2.13 kJ kg−1 K−1
Specific latent heat of fusion of paraffin = 220 kJ kg−1
Melting point of paraffin = 47 °C

(a) Calculate the theoretical equilibrium temperature of the mixture. [3]

Markscheme

3 3 3
(0. 030 × 0. 7 × 10 × 5) + (0. 030 × 220 × 10 ) + (0. 030 × 2. 13 × 10 )(T − 47)

3
= (0. 150 × 2. 13 × 10 )(240 − T )

One heat capacity term correctly substituted ✓

latent heat correctly substituted (0. 030 × 220 × 103) ✓

T = 190 «°C» ✓

(b.i) When the experiment was carried out, the equilibrium temperature of the mixture
was found to be different from the theoretical value.

Suggest the reason for this difference. [2]

Markscheme

Experimental temperature will be lower ✓

Heat loss to the environment ✓

(b.ii) The mixture was held in a large metal container during the mixing.

Explain one change to the procedure that will reduce the difference in (b)(i). [1]

Markscheme
Insulate the container

OR

Carry out experiment quicker

OR

Use larger volumes of substances ✓

19. [Maximum mark: 6] SPM.2.HL.TZ0.7
The star δ Vel A is a main sequence star that has a black-body spectrum as shown.

(a) Show that the surface temperature of δ Vel A is about 9000 K. [1]

Markscheme

−3
2.9×10
correct substitution into λmax =
T
OR 9350 K ✓

(b) The apparent brightness of δ Vel A is 2.2 × 10−9 W m−2 and it is 6.2 × 1014 km from
Earth.

Estimate the radius of δ Vel A. [3]

Markscheme

Attempted use of L = 4πbd

2
✓

L
use of r√ 4πσT
4
✓

r = 1. 4 Gm ✓

Accept a range of values between 1.3 to 1.5 Gm

(c) The radius of the Sun, R⊙, is 7.0 × 105 km.

Sketch, on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, the position of δ Vel A.

 [2]

Markscheme

Shows r ≈ 2R⊙ ✓

Correct position on diagram ✓

✓
[use of 9000 K gives 2.2R⊙]
20. [Maximum mark: 9] SPM.2.HL.TZ0.6
A smoke detector uses the radioactive nuclide americium-241.

The americium is contained in a chamber that is open to the air. There are two electrodes in the
chamber that are connected to a power supply and a current sensor.

Americium-241 emits alpha particles that ionize the air in the chamber. Each ionization forms one
positive ion and one electron; these are called an ion pair. The electrons and the positive ions
move towards the electrodes and the sensor detects a current in the air.

When smoke enters the chamber, fewer ion pairs are formed and the current in the
sensor decreases, sounding an alarm.

The decay constant of americium-241 is 5.08 × 10−11 s−1.

The chamber is 0.10 m in each dimension.

(a) A nucleus of americium-241 has 146 neutrons. This nuclide decays to

neptunium through alpha emission.

Complete the nuclear equation for this decay.

[2]

Markscheme

Am ✓
241
95
 α✓
237 4
Np +
93 2

(b) Outline why the radioactive source is safe for use in a house. [1]

Markscheme

Alpha particles only travel a few cm in air / penetration of alpha particles is poor (and will not
escape the chamber) ✓

OWTTE

(c) Deduce whether the radioactive source will need to be replaced during the life of
the detector. [3]

Markscheme

Half-life = s✓
ln 2 10
−11
≈ 10
5.08×10

Idea that this is much longer than lifetime of other components ✓

Reasoned comparison by conversion to reasonable unit eg ≈ 430 year ✓

The initial activity of the source is 42 kBq. 33% of the alpha particles emitted by this source enter
the chamber and form an ion pair.

Each alpha particle has an initial kinetic energy of 5.5 MeV.

The energy required to form one ion pair is 15 eV.

(d) Calculate the maximum current in the chamber due to the electrons when there is
no smoke in the chamber. [3]

Markscheme

6
5.5×10 5
Each alpha gives rise to 15
= 3. 67 × 10 ion pairs ✓
5

So 3.67×10 ×42000

3
= 5. 13 × 10
9
ion pairs per second ✓

current = 1. 6 × 10
−19
× 5. 13 × 10
9
= 0. 82 × 10
−9
«A» ✓
21. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.SL.TZ0.5
Window 1 is made of a single glass pane of thickness d. Window 2 is made of two glass
panes of thickness d each, separated by a thin air space. Both windows have the same
surface area and separate air masses of the same temperature difference.

Thermal energy transferred in unit time through window 1 is Q. The thermal energy
transferred in unit time through window 2 is

Q
A. less than 2

Q
B. equal to 2

Q
C. between 2
and Q

D. equal to 2Q [1]

Markscheme

A
22. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.SL.TZ0.6
A layer of ice on the surface of a lake separates cold air from relatively warmer unfrozen
water.

The temperature of the air and the temperature of the water can both be assumed
constant. The thickness of the ice gradually increases. What effect does the change in ice
thickness have on the temperature gradient across the ice and the rate of thermal energy
transfer by conduction through the ice?

Temperature gradient across Rate of thermal energy transfer through

the ice the ice
A. increases increases
B. increases decreases
C. decreases increases
[1]
D. decreases decreases

Markscheme

D
23. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.SL.TZ0.7
A cylindrical metal rod has a temperature difference between its ends and is in a steady
state. The rate of energy transfer along the rod is P . No energy is transferred from the
curved side of the rod.

The rod is changed for one made from the same material but with double the length and
double the diameter. The temperature difference is halved. The rate of energy transfer in
the rod is now

A.
P

B. P

C. 2P

D. 4P [1]

Markscheme

24. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.SL.TZ0.8

Two ideally lagged bars have the same length and are made from the same metal. The
diameters of the bars are different. One end of each bar is held at 100 °C and the other
end is held at 0 °C.

For each bar

A. the rate of energy transfer is the same

B. the temperature gradient is the same

C. the temperature gradient is non-linear

D. the temperature gradient ∝ 1

2 [1]
bar diameter

Markscheme

B
25. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.SL.TZ0.9
Two samples of a gas are kept in separate containers. The molecules of each sample have
the same average translational speed, but the samples have a different density.

What is correct about the pressure and the temperature of the samples, as compared to
each other?

Pressure Temperature
A. same same
B. same different
C. different same
[1]
D. different different

Markscheme

26. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.SL.TZ0.10

A sample of a gas has volume V and contains N molecules, each of mass m. The
average translational speed of the molecules is u.

Which expression is equivalent to the pressure of the gas?

A.
1 NV 2
u
3 m

B.
1 Nm 2
u
3 V

C.
1 N 2
u
3 mV

D.
1

3
m

NV
u
2
[1]

Markscheme

B
27. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.SL.TZ0.12
The density of an ideal gas is 1.4 kg m−3 when its pressure is 0.1 MPa.

What is the average translational speed of the gas molecules?

A. 0.46 m s−1

B. 270 m s−1

C. 460 m s−1

D. 71 km s−1 [1]

Markscheme

C
28. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.HL.TZ0.17
A thermodynamic cycle consisting of an adiabatic, isovolumetric and isothermal
processes is shown.

Which of the following correctly identifies the processes of the cycle?

Adiabatic Isovolumetric Isothermal

A. X→Y Y→Z Z→X
B. Z→X X→Y Y→Z
C. Z→X Y→Z X→Y
[1]
D. Y→Z Z→X X→Y

Markscheme

C
29. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.HL.TZ0.18
An ideal gas expands isothermally. The work done by the gas is 100 J. What is the change
in the internal energy of the gas?

A. −100 J

B. 0

C. +50 J

D. +100 J [1]

Markscheme

30. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.HL.TZ0.19

A thermodynamic process taking place in an isolated system is irreversible when the final
state of the system has a:

A. greater number of microstates than the initial state

B. smaller number of microstates than the initial state

C. greater internal energy than the initial state

D. smaller internal energy than the initial state [1]

Markscheme

A
31. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.HL.TZ0.20
Which statement is correct about the entropy of a non-isolated system?

A. It always increases

B. It always decreases

C. It can only increase if the entropy of the surroundings decreases

D. It can only decrease if the entropy of the surroundings increases [1]

Markscheme

32. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.HL.TZ0.21

An energy of 200 J is transferred isothermally to an ideal gas. The temperature of the gas
is 27 °C.

The entropy change of the gas is

A. 0.67 J K−1

B. 0.14 J K−1

C. 1.5 J K−1

D. 7.4 J K−1 [1]

Markscheme

A
33. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.HL.TZ0.22
Energy is transferred very slowly to ice of mass 0.050 kg at its melting point so that the ice
melts completely. The melted water remains at 0 °C.

The specific latent heat of fusion of ice = 335 kJ kg−1

What is the entropy change of the ice?

A. 0.041 kJ k −1

B. 0.061 kJ k −1

C. 0.041 J k −1

D. 0.061 J k −1 [1]

Markscheme

34. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.HL.TZ0.23

Three statements about the Carnot cycle are:

I. The Carnot cycle is reversible.

II. The net entropy change of the surroundings of the gas over one cycle is positive.
III. Heat transfer takes place in only two stages of the cycle

Which statements are correct?

A. I and II

B. I and III

C. II and III

D. I, II and III [1]

Markscheme

B
35. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.HL.TZ0.24
For a thermodynamic process, the entropy of the universe

A. always increases during the process

B. depends only on energy transferred during the process

C. is zero during the process

D. never decreases during the process [1]

Markscheme

D
36. [Maximum mark: 20] EXE.2.SL.TZ0.2
An Alpine village uses an electric tram system to transport visitors from a lower station up to an
upper station at the village. The length of the tramline is 3.0 km and the gradient of the tramline is
a constant 10°.

The tram has a weight of 5.0 × 104 N and can carry a maximum of 75 passengers of average weight
710 N.

The energy is supplied to each tram through a single overhead cable with a resistance per unit
length of 0.024 Ω km−1. The tram rails are used for the return path of the current. The return path
and the connections from the cable to the electric motor in the tram have negligible resistance.

The power supply maintains a constant emf of 500 V between the rails and the cable at the upper
station.

Assume that the current through the motor is constant at 600 A and that the motor efficiency is
always 0.90 for the entire range of voltages available to the tram.

(a) A tram is just leaving the lower railway station.

Determine, as the train leaves the lower station,

(a.i) the pd across the motor of the tram, [2]

Markscheme

Resistance of cable = 0.072 Ω ✓

Pd is (500 − 0.072 × 600) = 457 V ✓

(a.ii) the mechanical power output of the motor. [2]

 Markscheme

Power input = 457 × 600 = 274 kW ✓

Power output = 0.9 × 274 = 247 kW ✓

(b) Discuss the variation in the power output of the motor with distance from the
lower station. [2]

Markscheme

The pd across the motor increases as the tram travels up the track ✓

(As the current is constant), the power output also rises ✓

(c) The total friction in the system acting on the tram is equivalent to an opposing
force of 750 N.

For one particular journey, the tram is full of passengers.

Estimate the maximum speed v of the tram as it leaves the lower station. [4]

Markscheme

Total weight of tram = 75 × 710 + 5 × 104 = 1.03 × 105 N ✓

Total force down track = 750 + 1.03 × 105 sin (10) = 1.87 × 104 N ✓

Use of P= F × v ✓

(v = 247 000 ÷ 1.87 × 104)= 13 m s−1 ✓

(d) The tram travels at v throughout the journey. Two trams are available so that one
is returning to the lower station on another line while the other is travelling to the
village. The journeys take the same time.

It takes 1.5 minutes to unload and 1.5 minutes to load each tram. Ignore the time
taken to accelerate the tram at the beginning and end of the journey.

Estimate the maximum number of passengers that can be carried up to the village
in one hour. [4]
 Markscheme

Time for run = s/v = 3000 ÷ 13.2 = 227 s ✓

3 minutes loading = 180 s

So one trip = 407 s ✓

And there are 3600/407 trips per hour = 8.84 ✓

So 8 complete trips with 75 = 600 passengers ✓

(e) There are eight wheels on each tram with a brake system for each wheel. A pair of
brake pads clamp firmly onto an annulus made of steel.

The train comes to rest from speed v. Ignore the energy transferred to the brake
pads and the change in the gravitational potential energy of the tram during the
braking.

Calculate the temperature change in each steel annulus as the tram comes to rest.

Data for this question

The inner radius of the annulus is 0.40 m and the outer radius is 0.50 m.

The thickness of the annulus is 25 mm.

The density of the steel is 7860 kg m−3

The specific heat capacity of the steel is 420 J kg−1 K−1 [4]

Markscheme

Work leading to volume = 7.1 x 10−3 m3 ✓

Work leading to mass of steel = 55 .8 kg ✓

1 2
mv 1 1.03×10
5

Kinetic Energy transferred per annulus = 2

8
=
16
×
9.81
2
× 13

= 110 kJ ✓
5
Ek 1.1×10
ΔT = = = 4. 7 K ✓
mc 55.8×420

(f ) The speed of the tram is measured by detecting a beam of microwaves of

wavelength 2.8 cm reflected from the rear of the tram as it moves away from the
 station. Predict the change in wavelength of the microwaves at the stationary
microwave detector in the station. [2]

Markscheme

Δλ v
Use of λ
≈
c
✓

1.2 nm ✓
37. [Maximum mark: 8] EXE.2.SL.TZ0.3
A steel pot containing water is placed on an electric hot plate that is preheated to a temperature of
180 °C. The initial temperature of the water in the pot is 10 °C.

The base of the pot has a surface area of 0.15 m2 and a thickness of 5.0 mm. The coefficient of
thermal conductivity of the material of the pot is 45 W m−1 K−1.

(a) Calculate:

(a.i) the initial temperature gradient through the base of the pot. State an appropriate
unit for your answer. [2]

Markscheme

180−10

0.005
= 3. 4 × 10
4
✓

K m−1 ✓

(a.ii) the initial rate, in kW, of thermal energy transfer by conduction through the base
of the pot. [1]

Markscheme

45 × 0.15 × 3.4 × 104 = 230 «kW» ✓

(b) The electrical power rating of the hot plate is 1 kW. Comment, with reference to
this value, on your answer in (a)(ii). [3]

Markscheme

The answer is unrealistically large / impossible to sustain ✓

Due to much lower actual power, a lower temperature gradient through the base of the pot is
quickly established ✓
 The surface of the hot plate becomes colder from contact with pot
OR
there is a temperature gradient also through the hot plate ✓

(c) Describe how thermal energy is distributed throughout the volume of the water
in the pot. [2]

Markscheme

By means of convection currents ✓

That arise due to density difference between hot and cold water ✓
38. [Maximum mark: 6] EXE.2.SL.TZ0.4
A sealed bottle contains 0.50 kg of water at an initial temperature of 60 °C. The bottle is made of
glass of thickness 3.0 mm and thermal conductivity 0.90 W m−1 K−1.

(a) The temperature of the air outside of the bottle is 20 °C. The surface area of the
bottle is 4.0 × 10−2 m2. Calculate the initial rate of thermal energy transfer by
conduction through the bottle. [2]

Markscheme

0. 90 × 4. 0 × 10
−2
×
60−20

0.003
✓

480 «W» ✓

(b) Explain why the rate calculated in part (a) is decreasing. [2]

Markscheme

The temperature gradient decreases as the water cools down ✓

The rate of energy transfer is proportional to the temperature gradient ✓

(c) Estimate the initial rate of the change of the temperature of the water in the
bottle. State your answer in K s−1. The specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J
kg−1 K−1. [2]

Markscheme

ΔT
480 = 4200 × 0. 50 ×
Δt
✓

s−1» ✓
ΔT
= 0. 23 «K
Δt
39. [Maximum mark: 6] EXE.2.SL.TZ0.5
The ends of a vertical column of water are maintained at different temperatures Tt and Tb both
above the freezing point.

Energy transfer by radiation in this arrangement is negligible.

(a) Discuss the mechanism that accounts for the greatest rate of energy transfer
when:

(a.i) Tt > Tb [2]

Markscheme

Conduction identified ✓

energy transfer through interaction of particles in liquid at atomic scale ✓

(a.ii) Tb > Tt [2]

Markscheme

Convection identified ✓
 energy transfer through movement of bodies of liquid at different densities ✓

(b) The liquid now freezes so that the vertical column is entirely of ice. Suggest how
your answer to (a)(ii) will change. [2]

Markscheme

the solid cannot now move relative to material above it ✓

so conduction only ✓
40. [Maximum mark: 8] EXE.2.SL.TZ0.6
A rod is formed from two metal rods XY and YZ of identical dimensions. End X and end Z are at
different temperatures.

(a) The side of the rod can be unlagged or ideally lagged. Explain the difference in
energy transfer for these two cases. [3]

Markscheme

When ideally lagged, no energy transfer can occur through the sides of the bar. ✓

All the power input/ energy input per second at one end will emerge at the other end. ✓

When unlagged, energy transfer occurs from the sides of the bar and the power /energy
input per second at input > the energy output per second at the other end. ✓

Max 1 if answer does not refer to rate of energy transfer in MP2 and MP3.

(b) Rod XYZ is ideally lagged. The thermal conductivity of XY is k and the thermal
conductivity of YZ is 2k. End X is at 90 °C and end Z is at 45 °C

(b.i) Calculate the temperature at Y. [3]

Markscheme

dQ
idea that dt
is same in both bars because lagged ✓

work to show that 90 − θ = 2(θ − 45)

OR
Temperature difference across XY is twice temperature difference across YZ ✓

solves to show that θ = 60 °C ✓

(b.ii) The temperatures are now reversed so that X is at 45 °C and Z is at 90 °C. Show that
the rate of energy transfer is unchanged. [2]

Markscheme

repeats calculation to show that θ = 75 °C ✓

temperature difference across YZ is still 15 K which gives the same rate of energy transfer (but
in opposite direction) ✓
41. [Maximum mark: 7] EXE.2.SL.TZ0.7
(a) State two assumptions of the kinetic model of an ideal gas that refer to
intermolecular collisions. [2]

Markscheme

The collisions are elastic ✓

The time for a collision is much shorter than the time between collisions ✓

The intermolecular forces are only present during collisions ✓

(b) Discuss how the motion of the molecules of a gas gives rise to pressure in the gas. [3]

Markscheme

The momentum of a molecule changes when it collides with a container wall ✓

Δp
From F = Δt
and Newton’s third law, this leads to a force exerted on the wall by the
molecule ✓

The average force exerted by all the molecules on a unit area of the wall is equivalent to
pressure ✓

(c) The average speed of the molecules of a gas is 500 m s−1. The density of the gas is
1.2 kg m−3. Calculate, in kPa, the pressure of the gas. [2]

Markscheme

3
× 1. 2 × 500
2
✓

100 «kPa» ✓
42. [Maximum mark: 7] EXE.2.SL.TZ0.8
5 −3
A sample of air in a sealed container has a pressure of 1.8 × 10 Pa and a density of 2.0 kg m .

(a) Calculate the average translational speed of air molecules. [2]

Markscheme

1. 8 × 10
5
=
1

3
× 2. 0 × v
2
✓

v = 520 «m s
−1» ✓

(b) The air is a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen and other gases. Explain why the
component gases of air in the container have different average translational
speeds. [3]

Markscheme

Average kinetic energy of the molecules is determined by the temperature only ✓

The mass of a molecule is different for each component gas ✓

From Ek =
1

2
mv
2
, the same Ek and different mass implies a different average velocity ✓

(c) The temperature of the sample is increased without a change in pressure. Outline
the effect it has on the density of the gas. [2]

Markscheme

ALTERNATIVE 1

The average translational speed increases «because T increases» ✓

1
From P =
3
ρv
2
, the density decreases «to keep P constant» ✓

ALTERNATIVE 2

From the ideal gas law, the volume of the gas increases ✓
m
Since ρ =
v
and m is constant, the density decreases ✓
43. [Maximum mark: 8] EXE.2.SL.TZ0.9
(a) Outline how the concept of absolute zero of temperature is interpreted in terms
of:

(a.i) the ideal gas law, [1]

Markscheme

it is the temperature at which the volume

OR

the pressure extrapolates to zero (can be shown by sketch) ✓

(a.ii) the kinetic energy of particles in an ideal gas. [1]

Markscheme

it is the temperature at which all the (random) motion stops

OR

at which all the motion can be extrapolated to stop

OR

at which the kinetic energy of all particles is zero ✓

(b) A container holds a mixture of argon and helium atoms at a temperature of 37 °C.

Calculate the average translational speed of the argon atoms.

The molar mass of argon is 4.0 × 10−2 kg mol−1. [4]

Markscheme

−2
4.0×10
Use of NA
(= 6. 6 × 10
−26
kg) ✓

3p 3pV 3kT
Work showing that v(= √
ρ
= √
m
) = √
m
✓

Correct substitution AND conversion to K (310 K) ✓

 430/440 «m s−1» ✓

(c) Discuss how the mean kinetic energy of the argon atoms in the mixture compares
with that of the helium atoms. [2]

Markscheme

the gases are in the same container at the same temperature so are in equilibrium ✓

they must have the same mean/average kinetic energy ✓

© International Baccalaureate Organization, 2024