2021HY/S3/IS1(PHY)/p.

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Class : S 3 A/B/C/D 2020 – 2021 Half-Yearly Examination (Physics) - Solution

Section A : (13 marks, 35 %)

1 – 13 D C A C B C D B A A D B C

Section B : Structural Questions (34 marks, 65 %)

1. A thermocouple thermometer measures temperature by the voltage of the probe. When the probe is put in
boiling water and water of 20 oC in turn, the voltage is 2.65 mV and 1.77 mV respectively.
(a) Calculate the voltage increase per unit temperature. State the assumption behind
your calculation. (3 marks)
Ans : Assume the voltage of the probe increases linearly with temperature. 1A

∆𝑉𝑉 2.65−1.77 1M
= = 0.011 mV oC-1 1A
∆𝑇𝑇 100−20

(b) When the probe of this thermometer is put in an oven, the voltage recorded is
6.32 mV. What is the temperature of the oven ? (2 marks)
𝑇𝑇−20 6.32−1.77 1M
Ans : = ⇒ T = 433.64 oC 1A
100−20 2.65−1.77

(c) Is it suitable to use a mercury-in-glass thermometer to measure the temperature of the oven? Explain
briefly. (2 marks)
Ans : Not suitable.1A  Temperature of the oven > boiling point of mercury 1A

2. Two blocks A and B, made with different metals, are placed in thermal contact as A B

shown. The intital temperatures of A and B are 40 oC and 80 oC respectively, A has

a smaller volume. It is found that the temperature of B changes slowly to 59 oC.
(a) Describe the movement of molecules in a solid. (1 mark)
Ans : Every molecule oscillates about its equilibrium position. 1A

(b) How will the average molecular kinetic energy and average molecular potential energy of the molecules in
B change? Explain briefly. (4 marks)
Ans : Average molecular KE decreases 1A  temperature of block B decreases. 1A

Average molecular PE remains unchanged 1A  there is no change of state involved. 1A

(c) Which one has a larger heat capacity? Explain your answer quantitatively. (3 marks)
Ans : A 1A Temperature rise of A = 59 – 40 = 19 oC ; Temperature drop of B = 80 – 59 = 21 oC 1A

Small temperature change means larger heat capacity. 1A

(d) Explain briefly how the rate of temperature rise of A varies with time. (2 marks)
Ans : Rate of temperature rise of A decreases with time.1A  Temperature difference between A and B decreases, power
gain of A decreases. 1A
 2021HY/S3/IS1(PHY)/p.2
3. A metal block of mass 1.6 kg is initially in thermal equilibrium with
some dry ice at -78 oC. It is then transferred into a tank containing
metal
2.5 kg of water at 23 oC. When thermal equilibrium is reached, the
temperature of water is 6.8 oC.
(a) What is the meaning of ‘thermal equilibrium’ ? (1 mark)
Ans : The block and water are at the same temperature. 1A

(b) Estimate the specific heat capacity of the metal. (2 marks)

Ans : 1.6 c (6.8 + 78) = 2.5 (4200) (23 – 6.8) 1M ⇒ c = 1253.7 J kg-1 oC 1A

(c) Why the metal block should be transferred “quickly” to the water tank during the process? How will the
result be affected if we failed to do so ? (2 marks)
Ans : To minimize its energy gained from the surroundings. 1A c will be underestimated. 1A

(d) Can we use this method to find the specific heat capacity of wood? Explain briefly. (2 marks)
Ans : No. 1A Wood is very poor heat conductor. On reaching equilibrium with water, energy lost is very large. 1A

4. Tom set up an experiment to measure the specific heat thermometer

capacity of water as shown. After switching off the device X
heater, the highest temperature reached is measured.
Energy supplied by the heater = 29700 J power supply immersion
heater
Mass of water in cup = 174 g
Initial temperature of water = 19 oC
Highest temperature of water = 52 oC
polystyrene
(a) What is device X ? State its use. (2 marks) cup

Ans : Joulemeter. 1A To measure the electrical energy supplied by the heater. 1A

(b) State two advantages of using a polystyrene cup as the container. (2 marks)
Ans : It is a good heat insulator. 1A It has a small heat capacity. 1A

(c) Why should we record the highest water temperature after switching off the heater ? (2 marks)
Ans : The temperature of heater just after switching off is still higher than that of water, 1A time is required for the heater
to attain thermal equilibrium with water. 1A

(d) Explain briefly why the water is stirred frequently. (1 mark)

Ans : To enhance heat transfer. / To ensure the temperature of water is uniform. 1A

(e) Calculate the specific heat capacity of the water, given that the efficiency of the heating process is 86 %.
(3 marks)
1M
1M
Ans : 0.174 c ( 52 – 19) = 29700 × 86 % ⇒ c = 4448.3 J kg-1 oC 1A

End of Paper