P4: Thermal Physics, Heat Capacity and Thermal Transfer
Official Cambridge & Imperial ESAT specification requirements for Thermal Physics, Heat Capacity and Thermal Transfer on the Physics paper. Understand the syllabus boundaries, spot distractor traps engineered by examiners, and master the 2-step Sub-90 shortcuts that compress solve time well below the 88.8-second cutoff.
Official Syllabus Subtopics
Requirements specified in the UAT-UK framework
- 1Specific heat capacity equation: Q = mcΔT
- 2Specific latent heat of fusion and vaporisation: Q = mL
- 3Electrical heating curves and conservation of energy: Pt = mcΔT + losses
- 4Thermal conduction rate scaling: dQ/dt ∝ A ΔT / L
- 5Convection fluid density currents and buoyant circulation
- 6Thermal radiation and Stefan-Boltzmann proportionality: P ∝ A T⁴
- 7Thermal equilibrium and cooling curves
Sub-90 Exam Speed Tips
How top candidates solve this spec under the 88.8s clock
During phase transitions (melting or boiling), temperature remains completely constant as latent heat breaks intermolecular bonds.
Equate electrical energy to thermal energy directly: VIt = mcΔT or Pt = mcΔT.
Examiners engineer distractor options using common algebraic expansions and sign slips. Always test structural ratios or invariants before calculating arithmetic values.
Tested Topics in Specification P4
Master the individual question patterns and Sub-90 shortcuts for this specification.
Specific Heat Capacity (Q = mcΔT), Latent Heat (Q = mL) & Electrical Heating Curves (Pt = mcΔT)
Check mass units first: if c is in J/(kg °C), convert grams -> kg (÷1000) immediately. On a ΔT vs t graph with constant heater power P, gradient k = ΔT/t = P/(Mc).
Thermal Conduction Rod Scaling (Q̇ ∝ AΔT/L), Convection Density Currents & Radiative Power (P ∝ R² T⁴)
Thermal Conduction Scaling Law: Rate Q̇ ∝ A * ΔT / L ∝ d² * (T2 - T1) / L. Radiation Law: Dull/black = best emitter & absorber; Shiny/white = worst emitter & best reflector.
Ready to Master Specification P4 Under Exam Conditions?
Practice timed questions under the authentic Pearson VUE interface with live split stopwatch pacing, dry-wipe scratchpad, and distractor forensics.