TEST B MCQs

TEST B MCQs [100 marks]
1. [Maximum mark: 1] 23M.1A.SL.TZ2.10

What is the internal energy of an ideal gas?
A. The sum of the intermolecular potential energies of the molecules
B. The energy required to raise the temperature by 1 K
C. The sum of the kinetic energies of the molecules
D. The energy required per kg to raise the temperature by 1 K [1]
Markscheme
2. [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
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

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
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
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
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
8. [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
9. [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
A
10. [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
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
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
B
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
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

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
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
17. [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
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

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
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

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
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
B
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

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
A metal cube X of length L is heated gaining thermal energy Q. Its temperature
rises by ΔT. A second cube Y, of length 2L, made of the same material, gains
thermal energy of 2Q.
What is the temperature rise of Y?
ΔT
A. 8
ΔT
B. 4
C. ΔT
D. 2ΔT [1]
Markscheme
B
Three lamps (X, Y and Z) are connected as shown in the circuit. The emf of the
cell is 20 V. The internal resistance of the cell is negligible. The power dissipated
by X, Y and Z is 10 W, 20 W and 20 W respectively.
What is the voltage across Lamp X and Lamp Y?
Lamp X Lamp Y
A. 16 V 4V
B. 4V 16 V
C. 4V 8V
D. 16 V 16 V
[1]
Markscheme
B
Two surfaces X and Y emit radiation of the same surface intensity. X emits a
radiation of peak wavelength twice that of Y.
emissivity of X
What is emissivity of Y
?
A. 16
1
1
B. 2
C. 2
D. 16 [1]
Markscheme

The temperature of an object is changed from θ1 °C to θ2 °C. What is the change
in temperature measured in kelvin?
A. (θ2 − θ1)
B. (θ2 − θ1) + 273
C. (θ2 − θ1) − 273
D. 273 − (θ2 − θ1) [1]
Markscheme
A
Two blocks X and Y at different temperatures are placed in thermal contact
with each other until they reach thermal equilibrium. Block X and block Y are
of the same material. The mass of block Y is half that of block X. The change in
temperature of block X has a magnitude ΔT and the change in internal energy
of block X has a magnitude ΔU. What is the change in magnitude of
temperature of block Y and the change in magnitude of internal energy of
block Y?
Magnitude of change Magnitude of change in

in temperature of Y internal energy of Y
A. ΔT 2ΔU
B. 2ΔT 2ΔU
C. ΔT ΔU
D. 2ΔT ΔU
[1]
Markscheme
D
A solid is heated at constant power in an insulated container. The graph shows
the variation of temperature with time.
Why is the temperature constant for section QR?
A. The intermolecular potential energy of the molecules is constant.
B. The kinetic energy of the molecules is constant.
C. The internal energy of the solid is constant.
D. The rate at which the solid absorbs heat is equal to the rate at which it loses
heat. [1]
Markscheme
B
Two surfaces X and Y emit radiation of the same surface intensity. X emits a
radiation of peak wavelength twice that of Y.
emissivity of X
What is emissivity of Y
?
A. 16
1
1
B. 2
C. 2
D. 16 [1]
Markscheme
D
X and Y are two conductors with the same diameter, made from the same
material. Y is twice the length of X. They are connected in series to a cell of emf
ε.
X dissipates power P.
What is the power dissipated by Y?
A.
P
B. P
C. 2P
D. 4P [1]
Markscheme
C
Four identical lamps are connected in a circuit. The current through lamp L is I.
The lamps are rearranged using the same cell.
What is the current through L?
A.
I
B.
I
C. I
D. 2I [1]
Markscheme
C
−2 −2
Light of intensity 500 W m is incident on concrete and on snow. 300 W m is
reflected from the
concrete and 400 W m−2 is reflected from the snow.
What is ?
albedo of concrete
albedo of snow
A. 1
B. 3
C. 4
D. 2 [1]
Markscheme
B
A balloon of volume V contains 10 mg of an ideal gas at a pressure P. An
additional mass of the gas is added without changing the temperature of the
balloon. This change causes the volume to increase to 2V and the pressure to
increase to 3P.
What is the mass of gas added to the balloon?
A. 5 mg
B. 15 mg
C. 50 mg
D. 60 mg [1]
Markscheme
C
A planet has an albedo of 0.30. A simplified energy balance for the planet is
shown.
What is the intensity radiated by the surface of the planet?
A. 70 W m−2
B. 90 W m−2
C. 100 W m−2
D. 130 W m−2 [1]
Markscheme
D
Two resistors of equal resistance R are connected with two cells of emf ε and 2ε.
What is the current in the resistor labelled X?
A. 2R
ε
B. 3ε
2R
C. ε
D. 3ε
R
[1]
Markscheme
C
A fixed mass of an ideal gas expands slowly at constant temperature in a
container.
Three statements about the gas molecules during the expansion are:
I. They collide with the walls of the container at a reduced rate.

II. They travel further on average between each collision.
III. Their average kinetic energy decreases as the gas expands.
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
Markscheme
A
A vessel contains a mass X of helium gas and a mass 2X of oxygen gas.
Molar mass of helium = 4 g
Molar mass of oxygen = 32 g
What is the ?
number of helium atoms
number of oxygen molecules
A. 1
B. 1
C. 4
D. 8 [1]
Markscheme
C
A variable resistor is connected to a cell with emf ε and internal resistance r as
shown. When the current in the circuit is I, the potential difference measured
across the terminals of the cell is V.
The resistance of the variable resistor is doubled.
What is true about the current and the potential difference?
Current Potential difference
A. greater than
I
2
greater than V
B. less than
I
2
greater than V
C. greater than
I
2
equal to V
D. less than
I
2
equal to V
[1]
Markscheme

Two resistors of equal resistance R are connected with two cells of emf ε and 2ε.
What is the current in the resistor labelled X?
A. 2R
ε
B. 3ε
2R
C. ε
D. 3ε
R
[1]
Markscheme
C
The temperature of a gas increases from 100 K to 330 K. What is the change in
temperature of the gas in degrees Celsius?
A. 503
B. 230
C. −43
D. −230 [1]
Markscheme
B
43. [Maximum mark: 1] 22N.1A.SL.TZ0.10
Three samples of the same liquid are mixed in an insulated container. The
masses and initial temperatures of the samples are:
What is the equilibrium temperature of the mixture?
A. 45 °C
B. 36 °C
C. 30 °C
D. 24 °C [1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
The same fraction of correct answers as in HL question 1, but a much higher

discrimination index. Mixing three different samples is a relatively challenging
problem to solve in exam conditions, but complicated algebra can be avoided by
considering only two samples mixed initially before adding the last one.
This strategy helps eliminate incorrect alternatives without computing the exact
answer.
For example, the mixture of samples 1 and 2 would have a temperature of 45 °C

(halfway between 30 and 60 °C) and adding colder sample 3 to it would have
brought the temperature below 45 °C (alternative A eliminated). Similarly, the
mixture of 1 and 3 has a temperature greater than 30 °C (because sample 1 has a
greater mass), and adding sample 2 to it will still keep the final temperature above
30 °C (alternatives C and D eliminated, thus only B remains).

Gases in the atmosphere are compounds of 12
6
C, H,
1
1
16
8
O and
14
7
N.
Four of these gases are CO2, N2O, CH4 and H2O. A pure sample of each gas is
produced. Each sample has the same mass.
Which sample contains the greatest number of molecules?
A. N2O
B. H2O
C. CO2
D. CH4 [1]
Markscheme
D
Three statements about Boltzmann’s constant kB are:
I. kB has a unit of J K−1
gas constant
II. kB = Avogadro's constant
the average kinetic energy of particles

III. kB = temperature of the gas
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
Markscheme
A
A cell of negligible internal resistance is connected to three identical resistors.
The current in the cell is 3.0 A.
The resistors are now arranged in series.
What is the new current in the cell?
A. 1.0 A
B. 1.5 A
C. 3.0 A
D. 9.0 A [1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
This question was answered well and discriminated well, especially at HL. The
resistance of the connection doubles (from 1.5R to 3R) therefore the current is
halved.
The electromagnetic spectrum radiated by a black body at temperature T
shows a peak at wavelength λp.
What is the variation of λp with T?
[1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
A large proportion of the candidates, especially at SL, picked the incorrect

alternative D, probably triggered by the shape of the graph being similar to the
spectral distribution of black-body radiation. The question required an application
of Wien's law and the inverse proportionality of the peak wavelength with
temperature.
When heating a metal rod at one end, thermal energy is transferred along the
rod.
Which statement explains this transfer?
A. Free electrons transfer kinetic energy to the ions in the metal
B. Intermolecular potential energy increases throughout the metal
C. Intermolecular potential energy is transferred to kinetic energy
D. Ions in the metal radiate energy in all directions [1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
Alternative A is not necessarily the only possible explanation of the energy transfer,
but it is certainly the best one of the four. Metals are usually good thermal
conductors for the same reason that they are excellent electrical conductors -
thanks to the presence of free electrons.
Planet X and planet Y both emit radiation as black bodies. Planet Y has
twice the surface temperature and one third of the radius of planet X.
power radiated by planet X

What is power radiated by planet Y
?
9
A. 16
3
B. 4
C. 4
D.
16
9
[1]
Markscheme
A
A block of glass of mass 5 kg and temperature 30°C is brought into contact
with a block of asphalt of mass 20 kg and temperature 75°C. The specific heat
capacity of asphalt is twice that of glass. No energy is transferred to the
surroundings. What is the final temperature of both blocks?
A. 35°C
B. 45°C
C. 60°C
D. 70°C [1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
A challenging question, with incorrect alternatives B and C both picked more often
than the correct D. By combining the effect of mass and specific heat capacity of
both materials, the change of temperature of the glass block is 8× greater than that
of the asphalt. Therefore, the difference between the initial temperatures has to be
divided into 9 equal parts and the final temperature is one such part below
the initial temperature of the asphalt.
A solid mass gains energy at a constant rate until it reaches its liquid phase.
The specific heat capacity in the solid phase is greater than in the liquid phase.
Which graph shows how the temperature of the mass varies with time?
[1]
Markscheme
B
In the circuit shown, the battery has an emf of 12 V and negligible internal
resistance. Three identical resistors are connected as shown. The resistors each
have a resistance of 10 Ω.
The resistor L is removed. What is the change in potential at X?
A. Increases by 2 V
B. Decreases by 2 V
C. Increases by 4 V
D. Decreases by 4 V [1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
The majority of HL candidates correctly determined the magnitude of the potential

but determining the direction of the change was more problematic. More
candidates (incorrectly) selected option A than the correct option B, reinforcing the
importance of a conceptual understanding of circuits and potential change.
Two cells are connected in parallel as shown below. Each cell has an emf of 5.0
V and an internal resistance of 2.0 Ω. The lamp has a resistance of 4.0 Ω. The
ammeter is ideal.
What is the reading on the ammeter?
A. 1.0 A
B. 1.3 A
C. 2.0 A
D. 2.5 A [1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
The correct option (A) was selected with the lowest frequency of the four possible
answers. This question has a low difficulty index, suggesting that the majority of
candidates found it challenging. Students were asked to apply the concept of
resistors in parallel; omitting the internal resistance in parallel to the external lamp
resistance was the most common error here. This question is useful for the revision
of resistors in combination.

A driver uses the brakes on a car to descend a hill at constant speed. What is
correct about the internal energy of the brake discs?
A. The internal energy increases.
B. The internal energy decreases.
C. There is no change in the internal energy.
D. The internal energy is zero. [1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
This question was well answered by HL and SL candidates, although option C did
prove to be a distraction for some.
Two blocks, X and Y, are placed in contact with each other. Data for the blocks
are provided.
X has a mass m. What is the mass of Y?
A. m
B. m
C. 4m
D. 6m [1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
This question was very well answered by candidates, reinforced by the high
difficulty index for both HL and SL groups. This is another question that requires
the rearrangement of an equation to determine a relationship between variables;
interestingly candidates showed greater success on this question than others of
this type. This may be due to the fact that there was not an easy distractor included
in the response options, requiring candidates to work through equation
substitution and rearrangement to reach a final answer.
An ideal gas is maintained at a temperature of 100 K. The variation of the
pressure P and 1
volume
of the gas is shown.
What is the quantity of the gas?

5
A. 2×10
R
mol
B. 200
R
mol
80
C. R
mol
D. 5R
4
mol [1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
This question tested candidate understanding of the relationship between the

slope of a graph and the ideal gas law. SL candidates found this question more
difficult than their HL counterparts, but in both groups of students, option C was
the most frequent (and correct) answer.
A light source of power P is observed from a distance d. The power of the
source is then halved.
At what distance from the source will the intensity be the same as before?
A.
d
√2
B.
d
C.
d
d
D. 8
[1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
SL candidate responses were divided across options A, B and C, and so this

question would be a useful teaching tool for exploring the relationship between
power, intensity and distance.
Three identical resistors each of resistance R are connected with a variable
resistor X as shown. X is initially set to R. The current in the cell is 0.60 A.
The cell has negligible internal resistance.
X is now set to zero. What is the current in the cell?
A. 0.45 A
B. 0.60 A
C. 0.90 A
D. 1.80 A [1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
Option C was the most common (correct) answer, however option B was also a
frequent response. This question had a relatively high discrimination index,
suggesting that more able candidates had less difficulty managing resistance in
this combination circuit.
Three mechanisms that affect the composition of the atmosphere of the Earth
are:
I. Loss of forests that would otherwise store carbon dioxide – CO2

II. Release of methane – CH4 by the digestive system of grazing animals
III. Increase of nitrous oxide – N2O due to extensive use of fertilizer
Which of these statements describe a process that contributes to global

warming?
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
Markscheme
Examiners report
This question was well answered by candidates, although option A was a frequent
distractor suggesting candidates may be less clear about the role of nitrous oxide
in global warming.
The diagram shows, for a region on the Earth’s surface, the incident, radiated
and reflected intensities of the solar radiation.
What is the albedo of the region?
A. 1
1
B. 3
3
C. 4
D. 1 [1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
This question was well answered by both HL and SL candidates.

Water at room temperature is placed in a freezer. The specific heat capacity of
water is twice the specific heat capacity of ice. Assume that thermal energy is
transferred from the water at a constant rate.
Which graph shows the variation with time of the temperature of the water?
[1]
Markscheme
B
A quantity of an ideal gas is at a temperature T in a cylinder with a movable
piston that traps a length L of the gas. The piston is moved so that the length of
the trapped gas is reduced to and the pressure of the gas doubles.
5L
What is the temperature of the gas at the end of the change?
A. 12
5
T
B. 3
5
T
5
C. 3
T
12
D. 5
T [1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
Some comments queried that the Laws of Thermodynamics are not on the syllabus.
This question was set as a test of Thermal Physics, topic 3, with option A coming
from Mechanics, topic 2, not Thermodynamics.
What is true for an ideal gas?
A. nRT = NkB T
B. nRT = kB T
C. RT = NkB T
D. RT = kB T [1]
Markscheme

Which assumption is part of the molecular kinetic model of ideal gases?
A. The work done on a system equals the change in kinetic energy of the
system.
B. The volume of a gas results from adding the volume of the individual
molecules.
C. A gas is made up of tiny identical particles in constant random motion.
D. All particles in a gas have kinetic and potential energy. [1]
Markscheme
C
System X is at a temperature of 40 °C. Thermal energy is provided to system X
until it reaches a temperature of 50 °C. System Y is at a temperature of 283 K.
Thermal energy is provided to system Y until it reaches a temperature of 293 K.
What is the difference in the thermal energy provided to both systems?
A. Zero
B. Larger for X
C. Larger for Y
D. Cannot be determined with the data given [1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
This question gives good discrimination although slightly more candidates chose
option A instead of the correct option D. It is unusual that the correct response is
'cannot be determined' but the lack of mass or specific heat capacity in the data
should have alerted candidates that they were not able to work out or compare
how much thermal energy was supplied.
A battery of negligible internal resistance is connected to a lamp. A second
identical lamp is added in series. What is the change in potential difference
across the first lamp and what is the change in the output power of the
battery?
[1]
Markscheme
A
A circuit consists of a cell of emf E = 3.0 V and four resistors connected as
shown. Resistors R1 and R4 are 1.0 Ω and resistors R2 and R3 are 2.0 Ω.
What is the voltmeter reading?
A. 0.50 V
B. 1.0 V
C. 1.5 V
D. 2.0 V [1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
There were some comments from teachers that the circuit is unfamiliar, however it
is basically a series and parallel circuit and can be solved by considering the
parallel sections individually either by calculating the current through each and
then the voltages across the individual resistors or by considering the resistors as a
potential divider. It has a low discrimination index at HL with many choosing
option C (B correct) and very poor discrimination at SL, again with option C the
most popular choice.
The molar mass of an ideal gas is M . A fixed mass m of the gas expands at a
constant pressure p. The graph shows the variation with temperature T of the
gas volume V.
What is the gradient of the graph?
Mp
A. mR
B.
MR
mp
mp
C. MR
D.
mR
Mp
[1]
Markscheme
D
A cell has an emf of 3.0 V and an internal resistance of 2.0 Ω. The cell is
connected in series with a resistance of 10 Ω.
What is the terminal potential difference of the cell?
A. 0.5 V
B. 1.5 V
C. 2.5 V
D. 3.0 V [1]
Markscheme
C
The diagram shows a simple model of the energy balance in the Earth surface-
atmosphere system. The intensities of the radiations are given.
What is the average intensity radiated by the atmosphere towards the surface?
A. 100 W m−2
B. 150 W m−2
C. 240 W m−2
D. 390 W m−2 [1]
Markscheme
B
A liquid is vaporized to a gas at a constant temperature.
Three quantities of the substance are the
I. total intermolecular potential energy

II. root mean square speed of the molecules
III. average distance between the molecules.
Which quantities are greater for the substance in the gas phase compared to
the liquid phase?
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
Markscheme
B
An insulated container of negligible mass contains a mass 2M of a liquid. A
piece of a metal of mass M is dropped into the liquid. The temperature of the
liquid increases by 10 °C and the temperature of the metal decreases by 80 °C
in the same time.
specif ic heat capacity of the liquid

What is specif ic heat capacity of the metal
?
A. 2
B. 4
C. 8
D. 16 [1]
Markscheme

A mass m of a liquid of specific heat capacity c flows every second through a
heater of power P . What is the difference in temperature between the liquid
entering and leaving the heater?
A. mc
B. 273 +
mc
C.
P
mc
D. 273 +
P
mc
[1]
Markscheme
C
A fixed mass of an ideal gas has a volume of V , a pressure of p and a
temperature of 30 °C. The gas is compressed to the volume of 6 and its
V
pressure increases to 12p. What is the new temperature of the gas?
A. 15 °C
B. 60 °C
C. 333 °C
D. 606 °C [1]
Markscheme

Two wires, X and Y, are made of the same material and have equal length.
The diameter of X is twice that of Y.
What is ?
resistance of X
resistance of Y
1
A. 4
B. 1
C. 2
D. 4 [1]
Markscheme
A
An electric motor of efficiency 0.75 is connected to a power supply with an emf
of 20 V and negligible internal resistance. The power output of the motor is
120 W. What is the average current drawn from the power supply?
A. 3.1 A
B. 4.5 A
C. 6.0 A
D. 8.0 A [1]
Markscheme
D
A variable resistor is connected in series to a cell with internal resistance r as
shown.
The resistance of the variable resistor is increased. What happens to the power
dissipated in the cell and to the terminal potential difference of the cell?
[1]
Markscheme
A
Which is correct for a black-body radiator?
A. The power it emits from a unit surface area depends on the temperature
only.
B. It has an albedo of 1.
C. It emits monochromatic radiation whose wavelength depends on the

temperature only.
D. It emits radiation of equal intensity at all wavelengths. [1]
Markscheme

Two ideal gases X and Y are at the same temperature. The mass of a particle of
gas X is larger than the mass of a particle of gas Y. Which is correct about the
average kinetic energy and the average speed of the particles in gases X and
Y?
[1]
Markscheme
B
Under which conditions of pressure and density will a real gas approximate to
an ideal gas?
[1]
Markscheme

An ideal gas is in a closed container. Which changes to its volume and
temperature when taken together must cause a decrease in the gas pressure?
[1]
Markscheme
D
Two flasks P and Q contain an ideal gas and are connected with a tube of
negligible volume compared to that of the flasks. The volume of P is twice the
volume of Q.
P is held at a temperature of 200 K and Q is held at a temperature of 400 K.
mass of gas in P
What is mass of mass of gas in Q
?
1
A. 8
1
B. 4
C. 4
D. 8 [1]
Markscheme
C
What is meant by the statement that the average albedo of the Moon is 0.1?
A. 10% of the radiation incident on the Moon is absorbed by its surface
B. 10% of the radiation emitted by the Moon is absorbed by its atmosphere
C. 10% of the radiation incident on the Moon is reflected by its surface
D. 10% of the radiation emitted by the Moon is at infrared wavelengths [1]
Markscheme

A gas storage tank of fixed volume V contains N molecules of an ideal gas at
temperature T. The pressure at kelvin temperature T is 20 MPa. 4 molecules
N
are removed and the temperature changed to 2T. What is the new pressure of
the gas?
A. 10 MPa
B. 15 MPa
C. 30 MPa
D. 40 MPa [1]
Markscheme
C
A substance changes from the solid phase to the gas phase without becoming
a liquid and without a change in temperature.
What is true about the internal energy of the substance and the total
intermolecular potential energy of the substance when this phase change
occurs?
[1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
This question has a low discrimination index at SL with more candidates choosing
response D rather than the correct C. Candidates should remember that all
information given in the question is important and the clue here is ‘without a
change in temperature’. Thus the kinetic energy does not change so internal
energy and potential energy will both have the same change and in addition
energy must be provided to change the state of a solid.
The temperature of a fixed mass of an ideal gas changes from 200 °C to 400 °C.
mean kinetic energy of gas at 200 °C

What is mean kinetic energy of gas at 400 °C
?
A. 0.50
B. 0.70
C. 1.4
D. 2.0 [1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
Most candidates chose A having forgotten to convert from oC to K.

A container holds 20 g of argon-40( 18 Ar) and 40 g of neon-20 ( 10 Ne) .
40 20
number of atoms of argon -40

What is number of atoms of neon -20
in the container?
A. 0.25
B. 0.5
C. 2
D. 4 [1]
Markscheme
A
The resistance of component X decreases when the intensity of light incident
on it increases. X is connected in series with a cell of negligible internal
resistance and a resistor of fixed resistance. The ammeter and voltmeter are
ideal.
What is the change in the reading on the ammeter and the change in the
reading on the voltmeter when the light incident on X is increased?
[1]
Markscheme
A
The orbital radius of the Earth around the Sun is 1.5 times that of Venus. What is
the intensity of solar radiation at the orbital radius of Venus?
A. 0.6 kW m-2
B. 0.9 kW m-2
C. 2 kW m-2
D. 3 kW m-2 [1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
This had a low discrimination index at both SL and HL and although the correct
answer was the most popular, all options gained high support. Candidates should
be reminded that they have a data booklet and become familiar with its contents
before the exam.
Which aspect of thermal physics is best explained by the molecular kinetic
model?
A. The equation of state of ideal gases
B. The difference between Celsius and Kelvin temperature
C. The value of the Avogadro constant
D. The existence of gaseous isotopes [1]
Markscheme

For a real cell in a circuit, the terminal potential difference is at its closest to the
emf when
A. the internal resistance is much smaller than the load resistance.
B. a large current flows in the circuit.
C. the cell is not completely discharged.
D. the cell is being recharged. [1]
Markscheme
A
What is the relation between the value of the unified atomic mass unit in
grams and the value of Avogadro’s constant in mol−1?
A. Their ratio is 1.
B. Their product is 1.
C. Their sum is 1.
D. Their difference is 0. [1]
Markscheme

A black body at temperature T emits radiation with peak wavelength λ ρ and
power P. What is the temperature of the black body and the power emitted for
λρ
a peak wavelength of 2
?
[1]
Markscheme
D
−2
In a simple climate model for a planet, the incoming intensity is 400 W m and
the radiated intensity is 300 W m−2.
The temperature of the planet is constant. What are the reflected intensity
from the planet and the albedo of the planet?
[1]
Markscheme
A
A substance in the gas state has a density about 1000 times less than when it
is in the liquid state. The diameter of a molecule is d. What is the best estimate
of the average distance between molecules in the gas state?
A. d
B. 10d
C. 100d
D. 1000d [1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
This question gives good discrimination at HL but less so at SL. Teacher comments
felt that the question was too mathematical but it can be noted that it asks for an
estimation of the average distance which is related to the cube root of the volume
and 1000 is 103. At both levels option D proved a popular alternative suggesting
that candidates were forgetting the cube root.
The average temperature of the surface of a planet is five times greater than
the average temperature of the surface of its moon. The emissivities of the
planet and the moon are the same. The average intensity radiated by the
planet is I . What is the average intensity radiated by its moon?
A.
I
25
B.
I
125
C.
I
625
I
D. 3125
[1]
Markscheme

What is the main role of carbon dioxide in the greenhouse effect?
A. It absorbs incoming radiation from the Sun.
B. It absorbs outgoing radiation from the Earth.
C. It reflects incoming radiation from the Sun.
D. It reflects outgoing radiation from the Earth. [1]
Markscheme
B
What is not an assumption of the kinetic model of an ideal gas?
A. Attractive forces between molecules are negligible.
B. Collision duration is negligible compared with time between collisions.
C. Molecules suffer negligible momentum change during wall collisions.
D. Molecular volume is negligible compared with gas volume. [1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
Even though both difficulty and discrimination index are acceptable a significant
number of candidates chose incorrect options B or D. The examiners appreciated
that this was a challenging question which required some thought partly because
it asked what is not an assumption. Candidates need to be aware that although
questions are normally phased in a positive sense there will occasionally be ones
like this and they need to hold the idea of 'not' when looking at the possible
answers. A useful strategy is to look for correct assumptions and when those are
identified there should be just one left — the required answer.
Two containers X and Y are maintained at the same temperature. X has volume
4m
3
and Y has volume 6 m 3 . They both hold an ideal gas. The pressure in X is
100 Pa and the pressure in Y is 50 Pa. The containers are then joined by a
tube of negligible volume. What is the final pressure in the containers?
A. 70 Pa
B. 75 Pa
C. 80 Pa
D. 150 Pa [1]
Markscheme
A
An ideal gas of constant mass is heated in a container of constant volume.
What is the reason for the increase in pressure of the gas?
A. The average number of molecules per unit volume increases.
B. The average force per impact at the container wall increases.
C. Molecules collide with each other more frequently.
D. Molecules occupy a greater fractional volume of the container. [1]
Markscheme
Examiners report
Many candidates chose option C which is a typical misconception that collision

between molecules has something to do with pressure.
© International Baccalaureate Organization, 2024

TEST B MCQs

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

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

TEST B MCQs

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

TEST B MCQs [100 marks]

1. [Maximum mark: 1] 23M.1A.SL.TZ2.10

A. The sum of the intermolecular potential energies of the molecules

B. The energy required to raise the temperature by 1 K

C. The sum of the kinetic energies of the molecules

D. The energy required per kg to raise the temperature by 1 K [1]

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

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

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

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

The original curve is shown with a dashed line.

4. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.SL.TZ0.9

What is the distance of Star Y from Earth?

What is the effective resistance between P and Q?

Both cells have negligible internal resistance.

What power is dissipated in Y?

The volume of X is four times the volume of Y. The temperature of X is 327

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

The entropy of the room

The net change in internal energy of the gas is

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

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

Temperature gradient across Rate of thermal energy transfer through

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

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

Which expression is equivalent to the pressure of the gas?

What is the average translational speed of the gas molecules?

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

Adiabatic Isovolumetric Isothermal

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

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]

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]

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

The entropy change of the gas is

D. 7.4 J K−1 [1]

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

What is the entropy change of the ice?

I. The Carnot cycle is reversible.

Which statements are correct?

D. I, II and III [1]

24. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.HL.TZ0.24

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]

What is the temperature rise of Y?

What is the voltage across Lamp X and Lamp Y?

28. [Maximum mark: 1] 23M.1A.SL.TZ1.11

B. (θ2 − θ1) + 273

C. (θ2 − θ1) − 273

D. 273 − (θ2 − θ1) [1]

Magnitude of change Magnitude of change in

Why is the temperature constant for section QR?

A. The intermolecular potential energy of the molecules is constant.

B. The kinetic energy of the molecules is constant.