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Unit 1: Thermal, nuclear and electrical physics
Quick questions on Thermal physics and kinetic theory: QCE Physics Unit 1 Year 11
6short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is conduction?Show answer
Energy flow through a material by vibration and collision. Solids best (especially metals with free electrons).
What is convection?Show answer
Heat carried by bulk movement of fluid. Hot fluid is less dense, rises; cold sinks. Drives weather, ocean currents.
What is radiation?Show answer
Heat by electromagnetic waves (mostly infrared). Does not require a medium. $P = \sigma A T^4$ (Stefan-Boltzmann).
What is confusing temperature with internal energy?Show answer
A large mass of cold water can have more total internal energy than a small hot cup.
What is forgetting latent heat at phase changes?Show answer
No temperature change during melting/boiling but energy is absorbed.
What is using degrees C in Kelvin formulas?Show answer
For Stefan-Boltzmann ($T^4$) you need absolute temperature (K).
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