SL + HL
B.1 Thermal energy transfers
Why does steam burn more than boiling water, and how do we know the temperature of a star? B.1 needs three big ideas: matter is made of moving particles (temperature measures their average kinetic energy), thermal energy either warms a body or changes its phase, and it travels by conduction, convection and radiation.
The big idea in one minute
ρ = m/V · Ēk = (3/2)kBT · Q = mcΔT · Q = mL · ΔQ/Δt = kAΔT/Δx · L = σAT⁴ · λmaxT = 2.9 × 10⁻³ m K · b = L/(4πd²)
Thermal energy always flows from hot to cold. A body that takes it in either gets hotter (its particles move faster) or changes phase at constant temperature (its particles move apart). Hot bodies also radiate: the hotter they are, the more power they emit and the shorter the peak wavelength.
Your path through B.1
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Concept builders
Core work
Thermal energy transfers notes
The full topic: worked examples, the markscheme words and the common mistakes.
Levelled practice
Levels 1–4 with hints and worked answers. Goal: a ★ at Level 2 in every topic. For a 6 or 7, get Levels 3 and 4 too.
IB-format practice
Timed papers with markschemes, done as homework or classwork. One attempt: your report goes to your teacher.
10-question quiz
10 questions, 30 minutes, one attempt. Your teacher gives you the answers later.
Extra help
Not a step: use these when you are stuck, or to revise.
Visual guide
12 figures you can move. Use them when an idea does not make sense.
Flashcards
55 cards for quick recall of definitions and equations. Good before a quiz.