DP Physics Questionbank

• Syllabus

Option B: Engineering physics

Sub sections and their related questions

Option B: Engineering physics (Core topics)

• 15M.1.HL.TZ2.8: An ideal gas undergoes adiabatic expansion from state X to a new state of volume V. During this...
• 15M.1.HL.TZ2.9: A block of ice at 0°C is placed on a surface and allowed to melt completely to give water at 0°C....
• 15M.2.SL.TZ1.3b: Three ice cubes at a temperature of 0°C are dropped into a container of water at a temperature of...
• 15M.2.HL.TZ1.4a: Estimate the total work done in the cycle.
• 15M.2.HL.TZ1.4b: The change AB is isothermal and occurs at a temperature of 420K. Calculate the number of moles of...
• 15M.2.HL.TZ1.4c: Identify and explain the change, if any, in the entropy of the gas when it has completed one cycle.
• 15M.2.HL.TZ1.7b: Three ice cubes at a temperature of 0ºC are dropped into a container of water at a temperature of...
• 15M.2.HL.TZ2.7e: For the cycle identify, with the letter I, an isochoric (isovolumetric) change.
• 15M.2.HL.TZ2.7f: The temperature at point X is 310 K. Calculate the temperature at point Y.
• 15M.2.HL.TZ2.7g: The shaded area WXYZ is 610 J. The total thermal energy transferred out of the gas in one cycle...
• 15M.2.HL.TZ2.7h: The work done on the gas during the adiabatic compression XY is 210 J. Determine the change in...
• 14M.1.HL.TZ1.12: The pressure–volume (P–V) graph shows an adiabatic compression of a fixed mass of an ideal...
• 14M.1.HL.TZ2.12: Which process will increase the entropy of the local surroundings? A. The melting of a block of...
• 14M.2.HL.TZ1.7e: (i) State what is meant by an isothermal process. (ii) Show that process AB is isothermal.
• 14M.2.HL.TZ1.7f: State the nature of process BC.
• 14M.2.HL.TZ1.7g: During the cycle ABCD, the net work done by the gas is 550J. Calculate the net thermal energy...
• 14M.2.HL.TZ1.7h: Explain why it is not possible for this engine, operating in this cycle, to be 100% efficient.
• 15N.1.HL.TZ0.9: The graph shows how the volume of a system varies with pressure during a cycle ABCA. What is...
• 15N.1.HL.TZ0.10: A system consists of a refrigerator with its door open operating in a thermally insulated room....
• 15N.2.HL.TZ0.4a: Calculate the temperature of the gas at point C.
• 15N.2.HL.TZ0.4b: Compare, without any calculation, the work done and the thermal energy supplied along route ABC...
• 14N.1.HL.TZ0.9: Which of the following can be deduced from the second law of thermodynamics? A. Thermal energy...
• 14N.2.HL.TZ0.8e: The graph shows how the pressure \(P\) of a fixed mass of gas varies with volume \(V\). The lines...
• 14N.2.HL.TZ0.8f: Determine the work done during the change represented by line A.
• 14N.2.HL.TZ0.8g: Outline, with reference to the first law of thermodynamics, the direction of change in...
• 14M.2.HL.TZ2.9a: At point A in the cycle, the fuel-air mixture is at 18 °C. During process AB, the gas is...
• 14M.2.HL.TZ2.9b: State the nature of the change in the gas that takes place during process BC in the cycle.
• 14M.2.HL.TZ2.9c: Process CD is an adiabatic change. Discuss, with reference to the first law of thermodynamics,...
• 14M.2.HL.TZ2.9d: Explain how the diagram can be used to calculate the net work done during one cycle.
• 11N.1.HL.TZ0.11: The entropy of a system is a measure of the system’s A. total energy only.B. degree of disorder...
• 12N.1.HL.TZ0.10: The diagram shows a P–V cycle for a particular gas. In which of the following changes is no...
• 12N.1.HL.TZ0.11: An ideal gas expands adiabatically. What energy change is true for the gas? A. It gains thermal...
• 12N.1.HL.TZ0.12: Water in a container freezes. Which of the following correctly describes the change in entropy of...
• 13N.1.HL.TZ0.8: The graph shows the variation of pressure P with volume V of an ideal gas during a thermodynamic...
• 13N.1.HL.TZ0.9: A piece of ice melts at constant temperature. Which of the following gives the correct change in...
• 13M.1.HL.TZ1.8: A fixed mass of gas is compressed in a very short period of time. Which of the following...
• 13M.1.HL.TZ1.9: Which of the following statements is consistent with the second law of thermodynamics? A....
• 12M.1.HL.TZ1.7: In the P–V diagram below, which line could represent an adiabatic change for an ideal gas?
• 12M.1.HL.TZ1.8: The entropy of a system A. will decrease if the system’s temperature is increased. B. is...
• 12M.1.HL.TZ2.12: The following statement refers to question 11 and question 12. A gas is contained in a thermally...
• 13M.2.HL.TZ1.12a: With respect to a gas, explain the meaning of the terms thermal energy and internal energy.
• 13M.2.HL.TZ1.12b: The graph shows how the pressure P of a sample of a fixed mass of an ideal gas varies with volume...
• 11M.1.HL.TZ2.11: During an adiabatic expansion, a...
• 11M.1.HL.TZ2.12: The diagram shows the...
• 13M.1.HL.TZ2.10: The graph shows the variation of pressure P with volume V for a gas undergoing an adiabatic...
• 13M.1.HL.TZ2.11: An isolated system consists of a block of ice floating in a glass of water. The ice melts...
• 11M.2.HL.TZ2.5a: ...
• 11M.2.HL.TZ2.5b: ...
• 11M.2.HL.TZ2.5c: ...
• 12M.2.HL.TZ1.10a: State which of the processes is isothermal, isochoric (isovolumetric) or isobaric. Process...
• 12M.2.HL.TZ1.10b: The temperature of the gas at A is 300K. Calculate the temperature of the gas at B.
• 12M.2.HL.TZ1.10c: The increase in internal energy of the gas during process AB is 4100J. Determine the heat...
• 12M.2.HL.TZ1.10d: The gas is compressed at constant temperature. Explain what changes, if any, occur to the entropy...
• 12M.2.HL.TZ2.8a: A gas undergoes a thermodynamic cycle. The P–V diagram for the cycle is shown below. In the...
• 12M.2.HL.TZ2.8b: With reference to the first law of thermodynamics, explain for the change of state A to B, why...
• 12M.2.HL.TZ2.8c: Estimate the total work done in the cycle.
• 11N.2.HL.TZ0.11a: Using data from the graph above, identify which gas, A or B, undergoes the isothermal expansion.
• 11N.2.HL.TZ0.11b: Using the graph opposite, estimate the difference in work done by each gas.
• 11N.2.HL.TZ0.11c: Explain, with reference to the first law of thermodynamics, and without further calculation, the...
• 12N.2.HL.TZ0.6a: Calculate the number of moles of air in the cylinder.
• 12N.2.HL.TZ0.6b: The cork leaves the toy after the air is compressed to a pressure of 1.9×105Pa and a volume of...
• 12N.2.HL.TZ0.6c: The piston is now pushed in slowly so that the compression is isothermal. Discuss the entropy...
• 13N.2.HL.TZ0.4c: The gas in (b) is kept in the cylinder by a freely moving piston. The gas is now heated at...
• 13N.2.HL.TZ0.4d: After heating, the gas is compressed rapidly to its original volume in (b). Outline why this...
• 11M.1.HL.TZ1.8: Which of the following is equivalent to the principle of energy conservation? A. Newton’s first...
• 11M.1.HL.TZ1.9: An ideal gas undergoes the thermodynamic changes represented in the P –V diagram below...
• 11M.2.HL.TZ1.4a: Calculate the temperature of the gas in state B.
• 11M.2.HL.TZ1.4b: (i) Calculate the work done by the gas in expanding from state A to state B. (ii) Determine the...
• 11M.2.HL.TZ1.4c: The gas is isothermally compressed from state B back to state A. (i) Using the P–V diagram axes...
• 09M.1.HL.TZ1.11: A positive amount of thermal energy \(Q\) is transferred to an ideal gas from its surroundings....
• 09M.1.HL.TZ1.12: Which of the following correctly describes the entropy changes of the water molecules and the...
• 10M.1.HL.TZ1.14: The diagram shows the pressure \(p\) and volume \(V\) relationship for one cycle of operation of...
• 10M.1.SL.TZ1.11: A gas is contained in a cylinder by a piston. The gas is compressed rapidly by moving the...
• 09N.1.HL.TZ0.13: The graph below shows the variation of the pressure \(p\) with volume \(V\) of an ideal gas...
• 10N.1.HL.TZ0.10: An ideal gas expands isothermally from a state X to a new state of volume \(V\). The work done by...
• 10N.2.HL.TZ0.B3d: (i)     State the meanings of \(Q\) and \(W\). \(Q\): \(W\): (ii)     Describe how the first...
• 16M.3.SL.TZ0.7a: State why F is the only force providing a torque about the axis of the cylinder.
• 16M.3.SL.TZ0.7b: (i) The moment of inertia of a cylinder about its axis is \(I = \frac{1}{2}M{R^2}\). Show that,...
• 16M.3.SL.TZ0.7c: A block of ice is placed on the slope beside the solid cylinder and both are released at the same...
• 16M.3.SL.TZ0.7d: The solid cylinder is replaced by a hollow cylinder of the same mass and radius. Suggest how this...
• 16M.3.SL.TZ0.8a: (i) Calculate the temperature at C. (ii) Calculate the change in internal energy for AC. (iii)...
• 16M.3.SL.TZ0.8b: (i) State the change in entropy of a gas for the adiabatic expansion from A to D. (ii) Explain,...
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.8a: The velocity of the falling object is 1.89 m s–1 at 3.98 s. Calculate the average angular...
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.8b: Show that the torque acting on the flywheel is about 0.3 Nm.
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.8c: (i) Calculate the tension in the string. (ii) Determine the mass m of the falling object.
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.9: The diagram shows two methods of pedalling a bicycle using a force F. In method 1 the pedal is...
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.10a: Calculate the Carnot efficiency of the nuclear power plant.
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.10b: Explain, with a reason, why a real nuclear power plant operating between the stated temperatures...
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.10c: The nuclear power plant works at 71.0% of the Carnot efficiency. The power produced is 1.33 GW....
• 16N.3.SL.TZ0.10d: Discuss the production of waste heat by the power plant with reference to the first law and the...
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.5a.i: Write down an expression, in terms of M, v and R, for the angular momentum of the system about...
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.5a.ii: Just after the collision the system begins to rotate about the vertical axis with angular...
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.5a.iii: Hence, show that \(\omega  = \frac{v}{{4R}}\).
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.5a.iv: Determine in terms of M and v the energy lost during the collision.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.5b.i: Show that the angular deceleration of the system is 0.043 rad\(\,\)s–2.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.5b.ii: Calculate the number of revolutions made by the system before it comes to rest.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.6a: State what is meant by an adiabatic process.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.6b: Identify the two isothermal processes.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.6c.i: Determine the temperature of the gas at A.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.6c.ii: The volume at B is 2.30 × 10–3\(\,\)m3. Determine the pressure at B.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.6d.i: Show that \({P_B}V_B^{\frac{5}{3}} = nR{T_C}V_C^{\frac{2}{3}}\)
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.6d.ii: The volume at C is 2.90 × 10–3\(\,\)m3. Calculate the temperature at C.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ1.6e: State a reason why a Carnot cycle is of little use for a practical heat engine.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.6a.i: Deduce the linear acceleration of the centre of mass of the probe.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.6a.ii: Calculate the resultant torque about the axis of the probe.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.6b: The forces act for 2.00 s. Show that the final angular speed of the probe is about 16 rad\(\,\)s–1.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.6c.i: Determine the final angular speed of the probe–satellite system.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.6c.ii: Calculate the loss of rotational kinetic energy due to the linking of the probe with the satellite.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.7a.i: Justify why the thermal energy supplied during the expansion AB is 416 J.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.7a.ii: Show that the temperature of the gas at C is 386 K.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.7a.iii: Show that the thermal energy removed from the gas for the change BC is approximately 330 J.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.7a.iv: Determine the efficiency of the heat engine.
• 17M.3.SL.TZ2.7b: State and explain at which point in the cycle ABCA the entropy of the gas is the largest.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.6a: Explain what is meant by proper length.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.7a: On the diagram, draw and label the forces acting on the hoop.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.7b: Show that the linear acceleration a of the hoop is given by the equation shown. a...
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.7c: Calculate the acceleration of the hoop when θ = 20°. Assume that the hoop continues to roll...
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.7d: State the relationship between the force of friction and the angle of the incline.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.7e: The angle of the incline is slowly increased from zero. Determine the angle, in terms of the...
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.8a: Show that the volume of the gas at the end of the adiabatic expansion is approximately 5.3 x 10–3...
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.8b: Using the axes, sketch the three-step cycle.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.8c: The initial temperature of the gas is 290 K. Calculate the temperature of the gas at the start of...
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.8d: Using your sketched graph in (b), identify the feature that shows that net work is done by the...
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.10a: Complete the diagram, with a Newtonian mounting, continuing the two rays to show how they pass...
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.10b: When the Earth-Moon distance is 363 300 km, the Moon is observed using the telescope. The mean...
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.10c: The final image of the Moon is observed through the eyepiece. The focal length of the eyepiece is...
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.10d: The Hubble Space reflecting telescope has a Cassegrain mounting. Outline the main optical...
• 18M.3.SL.TZ1.6a: Show that the angular acceleration of the merry-go-round is 0.2 rad s–2.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ1.6b.i: Calculate, for the merry-go-round after one revolution, the angular speed. 
• 18M.3.SL.TZ1.6b.ii: Calculate, for the merry-go-round after one revolution, the angular momentum.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ1.6c: Calculate the new angular speed of the rotating system.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ1.6d.i: Explain why the angular speed will increase.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ1.6d.ii: Calculate the work done by the child in moving from the edge to the centre.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ1.7a: Show that the pressure at B is about 5 × 105 Pa.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ1.7b.i: For the process BC, calculate, in J, the work done by the gas.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ1.7b.ii: For the process BC, calculate, in J, the change in the internal energy of the gas.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ1.7b.iii: For the process BC, calculate, in J, the thermal energy transferred to the gas.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ1.7c.i: Explain, without any calculation, why the pressure after this change would belower if the process...
• 18M.3.SL.TZ1.7c.ii: Determine, without any calculation, whether the net work done by the engine during one full cycle...
• 18M.3.SL.TZ1.7d: Outline why an efficiency calculation is important for an engineer designing a heat engine.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ2.6a.i: The moment of inertia of the wheel is 1.3 × 10–4 kg m2. Outline what is meant by the moment of...
• 18M.3.SL.TZ2.6a.ii: In moving from point A to point B, the centre of mass of the wheel falls through a vertical...
• 18M.3.SL.TZ2.6a.iii: Determine the angular velocity of the wheel at B.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ2.6b.ii: Describe the effect of F on the angular speed of the wheel.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ2.7a: Show that the final volume of the gas is about 53 m3.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ2.7b: Calculate, in J, the work done by the gas during this expansion.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ2.7c: Determine the thermal energy which enters the gas during this expansion.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ2.7d.i: Sketch, on the pV diagram, the complete cycle of changes for the gas, labelling the changes...
• 18M.3.SL.TZ2.7d.ii: Outline the change in entropy of the gas during the cooling at constant volume.
• 18M.3.SL.TZ2.7e: There are various equivalent versions of the second law of thermodynamics. Outline the benefit...

Option B: Engineering physics (Additional higher level option topics)

• 15M.1.SL.TZ1.13: A periodic driving force of frequency ƒ acts on a system which undergoes forced oscillations of...
• 15M.1.SL.TZ2.13: The effects of resonance should be avoided in A. quartz oscillators. B. vibrations in...
• 14M.1.SL.TZ2.15: In which of the following systems is it desirable that damping should be as small as...
• 14M.2.SL.TZ1.4j: Point P now begins to move from side to side with a small amplitude and at a variable driving...
• 12N.1.SL.TZ0.16: What property of a driving system must be approximately equal to that of the oscillating system...
• 13M.1.HL.TZ1.10: Microwave ovens cause the water molecules in food to resonate. Water molecules have a natural...
• 12M.1.HL.TZ1.10: Which of the following gives the conditions for maximum amplitude in forced, but damped,...
• 11M.1.SL.TZ2.13: An object is undergoing...
• 12M.1.HL.TZ2.11: The following statement refers to question 11 and question 12. A gas is contained in a thermally...
• 13M.1.HL.TZ2.12: Two oscillators X and Y are undergoing forced oscillations each at a frequency close to the...
• 11M.2.SL.TZ2.4b: A liquid is contained in a U-tube. The pressure on the...
• 11M.2.HL.TZ2.13b: A liquid is contained in a U-tube. The...
• 11M.2.SL.TZ1.5a: For particle P, (i) state how graph 1 shows that its oscillations are not damped. (ii)...
• 09M.1.HL.TZ1.15: The graph below represents the variation with time of the displacement of an oscillating...
• 10M.1.SL.TZ1.13: A force that varies sinusoidally is applied to a system that is lightly damped. Which of the...
• 16M.3.HL.TZ0.10a: Calculate the pressure at Q when the tap is closed.
• 16M.3.HL.TZ0.10b: Explain what happens to the pressure at Q when the tap is opened.
• 16M.3.HL.TZ0.10c: The tap at Q is connected to an outlet pipe with a diameter of 0.10 m. The water flows steadily...
• 16M.3.HL.TZ0.11a: The sphere A is displaced so that the system oscillates. Discuss, with reference to the Q factor,...
• 16M.3.HL.TZ0.11b: The support point P of the pendulum is now made to oscillate horizontally with frequency...
• 16N.3.HL.TZ0.13a: A solid cube of side 0.15 m has an average density of 210 kg m–3. (i) Calculate the weight of...
• 16N.3.HL.TZ0.13b: Water flows through a constricted pipe. Vertical tubes A and B, open to the air, are located...
• 16N.3.HL.TZ0.14a: Explain, with reference to energy in the system, the amplitude of oscillation between (i) t = 0...
• 16N.3.HL.TZ0.14b: The system is critically damped. Draw, on the graph, the variation of the displacement with time...
• 17M.3.HL.TZ1.9a: Explain the origin of the buoyancy force on the air bubble.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ1.9b: With reference to the ratio of weight to buoyancy force, show that the weight of the air bubble...
• 17M.3.HL.TZ1.9c: Calculate the terminal speed.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ1.10a: State what is meant by damping.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ1.10b: Calculate the Q factor for the system.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ1.10c: The Q factor of the system increases. State and explain the change to the graph.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.10a.i: Estimate the magnitude of the force on the ball, ignoring gravity.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.10a.ii: On the diagram, draw an arrow to indicate the direction of this force.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.10b: State one assumption you made in your estimate in (a)(i).
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.11a: On the graph, sketch a curve to show the variation with driving frequency of the amplitude when...
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.11b.i: State and explain the displacement of the sine wave vibrator at t = 8.0 s.
• 17M.3.HL.TZ2.11b.ii: The vibrator is switched off and the spring continues to oscillate. The Q factor is...
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.11a.i: Identify the mechanism leading stars to produce the light they emit.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.11a.ii: Outline why the light detected from Jupiter and Vega have a similar brightness, according to an...
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.11b.i: Outline what is meant by a constellation.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.11b.ii: Outline how the stellar parallax angle is measured.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.11b.iii: Show that the distance to Vega from Earth is about 25 ly.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.12a: State what is meant by a binary star.
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.12b: The peak spectral line of Sirius B has a measured wavelength of 115 nm. Show that the surface...
• 17N.3.SL.TZ0.12c: The mass of Sirius B is about the same mass as the Sun. The luminosity of Sirius B is 2.5 % of...
• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.11a.i: Using the graph, determine the buoyancy force acting on a sphere when the ethanol is at a...
• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.11a.ii: When the ethanol is at a temperature of 25 °C, the 25 °C sphere is just at equilibrium. This...
• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.11b: The room temperature slightly increases from 25 °C, causing the buoyancy force to decrease. For...
• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.12a: Explain why it would be uncomfortable for the farmer to drive the vehicle at a speed of 5.6 m s–1.
• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.12b: Outline what change would be required to the value of Q for the mass–spring system in order for...
• 18M.3.HL.TZ1.10a: State the difference in terms of the velocity of the water between laminar and turbulent flow.
• 18M.3.HL.TZ1.10b: The water level is a height H above the turbine. Assume that the flow is laminar in the outlet...
• 18M.3.HL.TZ1.10c.i: Calculate the Reynolds number for the water flow.
• 18M.3.HL.TZ1.10c.ii: Outline whether it is reasonable to assume that flow is laminar in this situation.
• 18M.3.HL.TZ1.11a: Describe the motion of the spring-mass system.
• 18M.3.HL.TZ1.11b.ii: calculate the Q at the start of the motion.
• 18M.3.HL.TZ2.10a: Show that the velocity of the fluid at X is about 2 ms–1, assuming that the flow is laminar.
• 18M.3.HL.TZ2.10b.i: Estimate the Reynolds number for the fluid in your answer to (a).
• 18M.3.HL.TZ2.10b.ii: Outline whether your answer to (a) is valid.
• 18M.3.HL.TZ2.11a: Draw a graph to show the variation of amplitude of oscillation of the system with frequency.
• 18M.3.HL.TZ2.11b: The Q factor for the system is reduced significantly. Describe how the graph you drew in (a)...