1.

Thermal energy is transferred through the glass windows of a house mainly by

A. conduction.

B. radiation.

C. conduction and convection.

D. radiation and convection.

(1)

2. The specific latent heat of vaporization of a substance is the quantity of energy required to

A. raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius.

B. convert a unit mass of liquid to vapour at constant temperature and pressure.

C. convert a unit mass of solid to vapour at constant temperature and pressure.

D. convert a unit mass of liquid to vapour at a temperature of 100°C and a pressure of one
atmosphere.
(1)

3. Some students were asked to design and carry out an experiment to determine the specific latent
heat of vaporization of water. They set up the apparatus shown below.

d .c. su p p ly V

A
W ater
H eater

g To p -p an b alan ce

1
The current was switched on and maintained constant using the variable resistor. The readings
of the voltmeter and the ammeter were noted. When the water was boiling steadily, the reading
of the top-pan balance was taken and, simultaneously, a stopwatch was started. The reading of
the top-pan balance was taken again after 200 seconds and then after a further 200 seconds.

The change in reading of the top-pan balance during each 200 second interval was calculated
and an average found. The power of the heater was calculated by multiplying together the
readings of the voltmeter and the ammeter.

(a) Suggest how the students would know when the water was boiling steadily.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b) Explain why a reading of the mass lost in the first 200 seconds and then a reading of the
mass lost in the next 200 second interval were taken, rather than one single reading of the
mass lost in 400 seconds.
(2)

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

2
 The students repeated the experiment for different powers supplied to the heater. A graph of the
power of the heater against the mass of water lost (the change in balance reading) in 200
seconds was plotted. The results are shown below. (Error bars showing the uncertainties in the
measurements are not shown.)

120

100

80

60
p o w er / W

40

20

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
m ass / g

(c) (i) On the graph above, draw the best-fit straight line for the data points.
(1)

(ii) Determine the gradient of the line you have drawn.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

3
 In order to find a value for the specific latent heat of vaporization L, the students used the
equation

P = mL,

where P is the power of the heater and m is the mass of water evaporated per second.

(d) Use your answer for the gradient of the graph to determine a value for the specific latent
heat of vaporization of water.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

(e) The theory of the experiment would suggest that the graph line should pass through the
origin. Explain briefly why the graph does not pass through the origin.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 12 marks)

4. This question is about work, energy and power.

(a) Define the work done by a force.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

4
A body of mass m is in a gravitational field of strength g. The body is moved through a distance
h at constant speed v in the opposite direction to the field.

(b) Derive an expression in terms of

(i) m, g and h, for the work done on the body;

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) m, g and v, for the power required to move the body.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(c) A mass falls near the Earth’s surface at constant speed in still air. Discuss the energy
changes, if any, that occur in the gravitational potential energy and in the kinetic energy
of the mass.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

5
A sample of an ideal gas is contained in a cylinder fitted with a piston, as shown below.

P isto n
Id eal g as

C y lin d er

(d) (i) Explain, in terms of molecules, what is meant by the internal energy of the gas.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) The piston is suddenly moved inwards, decreasing the volume of the gas. By
considering the speeds of molecules, suggest why the temperature of the gas
changes.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(5)

(iii) The gas now expands at constant pressure p so that the volume increases by an
amount ΔV. Derive an expression for the work done by the gas.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(4)

6
An engine operates by using an isolated mass of an ideal gas. The gas is compressed
adiabatically and then it is heated at constant volume. The gas gains 310 J of energy during the
heating process. The gas then expands adiabatically. Finally, the gas is cooled so that it returns
to its original state. During the cooling process, 100 J of energy is extracted. The cycle is shown
below.

C
p ressu re / P a
310 J

6
6 .1 × 1 0
B

D
100 J
5
1 .0 × 1 0
A 300 K

0 .3 2 × 1 0 – 4 6 .0 × 1 0 – 4

v o lu m e / m 3

(e) (i) Mark, on the diagram, arrows to show the direction of operation of the stages of the
cycle.
(1)

(ii) Using data for point A, calculate the number of moles of gas.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

7
 (iii) Determine the temperature of the gas at point B in the cycle.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iv) State what is represented by the area ABCD on the diagram and give the value of
this quantity.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(v) Calculate the efficiency of the engine.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 30 marks)

5. Two different objects are in thermal contact with one another. The objects are at different
temperatures. The temperatures of the two objects determine

A. the process by which thermal energy is transferred.

B. the heat capacity of each object.

C. the direction of transfer of thermal energy between the objects.

D. the amount of internal energy in each object.

(1)

8
6.

A
th erm o m eter

h eater
m etal b lo ck

The specific heat capacity of a metal block of mass m is determined by placing a heating coil in
its centre, as shown in the diagram above.

The block is heated for time t and the maximum temperature change recorded is Δθ. The
ammeter and voltmeter readings during the heating are I and V respectively.

The specific heat capacity is best calculated using which one of the following expressions?

VIt
A. c = m

VI
B. c = m

m
C. c = VI

m
D. c = VIt
(1)

9
7.

A
th erm o m eter

h eater
m etal b lo ck

The specific heat capacity of a metal block of mass m is determined by placing a heating coil in
its centre, as shown in the diagram above.

The block is heated for time t and the maximum temperature change recorded is Δθ. The
ammeter and voltmeter readings during the heating are I and V respectively.

Which one of the following is not a source of error in the experiment?

A. Some thermal energy is retained in the heater.

B. The thermometer records the temperature at one point in the block.

C. Some thermal energy is lost from the variable resistor in the circuit.

D. The block is heated at its centre, rather than throughout its whole volume.
(1)

8. A container holds 20 g of neon (mass number 20) and also 8 g of helium (mass number 4).

numberof atoms of neon

What is the ratio numberof atoms of helium ?

A. 0.4

B. 0.5

C. 2.0

D. 2.5
(1)

9. This question is about modelling the thermal processes involved when a person is running.

10
When running, a person generates thermal energy but maintains approximately constant
temperature.

(a) Explain what thermal energy and temperature mean. Distinguish between the two
concepts.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(4)

The following simple model may be used to estimate the rise in temperature of a runner
assuming no thermal energy is lost.

A closed container holds 70 kg of water, representing the mass of the runner. The water is
heated at a rate of 1200 W for 30 minutes. This represents the energy generation in the runner.
6
(b) (i) Show that the thermal energy generated by the heater is 2.2 × 10 J.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) Calculate the temperature rise of the water, assuming no energy losses from the
−1 −1
water. The specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J kg K .

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

11
(c) The temperature rise calculated in (b) would be dangerous for the runner. Outline three
mechanisms, other than evaporation, by which the container in the model would transfer
energy to its surroundings.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(6)

A further process by which energy is lost from the runner is the evaporation of sweat.

(d) (i) Describe, in terms of molecular behaviour, why evaporation causes cooling.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

12
 (ii) Percentage of generated energy lost by sweating: 50%
6 −1
Specific latent heat of vaporization of sweat: 2.26 × 10 J kg

Using the information above, and your answer to (b) (i), estimate the mass of sweat
evaporated from the runner.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(iii) State and explain two factors that affect the rate of evaporation of sweat from the
skin of the runner.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 25 marks)

10. Which two values of temperature are equivalent to the nearest degree when measured on the
Kelvin and on the Celsius scales of temperature?

Kelvin scale Celsius scale

A. 40 313
B. 273 100
C. 313 40
D. 373 0
(1)

13
11. A substance changes from solid to liquid at its normal melting temperature. What change, if
any, occurs in the average kinetic energy and the average potential energy of its molecules?

Average kinetic energy Average potential energy

A. constant constant
B. increases constant
C. increases decreases
D. constant increases
(1)

14
12. The specific latent heat of vaporization of a substance is greater than its specific latent heat of
fusion because

A. boiling takes place at a higher temperature than melting.

B. thermal energy is required to raise the temperature from the melting point to the boiling
point.

C. the volume of the substance decreases on freezing but increases when boiling.

D. the increase in potential energy of the molecules is greater on boiling than on melting.
(1)

15
13. The kelvin temperature of an object is a measure of

A. the total energy of the molecules of the object.

B. the total kinetic energy of the molecules of the object.

C. the maximum energy of the molecules of the object.

D. the average kinetic energy of the molecules of the object.

(1)

16
14. The specific latent heat of fusion of a substance is defined as the amount of thermal energy
required to change the phase of

A. the substance at constant temperature.

B. unit mass of the substance to liquid at constant temperature.

C. unit mass of the substance at constant temperature.

D. the substance to gas at constant temperature.

(1)

17
15. (a) A small lump of ice (a hailstone) at 0°C falls to the Earth’s surface. When the hailstone
hits the surface, all of the kinetic energy of the hailstone is transferred to thermal energy
in the ice. Calculate the minimum speed of the hailstone so that it just melts when it hits
–1
the surface. The specific latent heat of fusion of ice is 340 kJ kg .

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

18
(b) By reference to your answer in (a), suggest whether hailstones are likely to melt on
hitting the Earth’s surface.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

19
16. This question is about nuclear reactions.

(a) (i) Distinguish between fission and radioactive decay.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(4)

20
 235
U
A nucleus of uranium-235 ( 92 ) may absorb a neutron and then undergo fission to produce
90 142
Sr Xe
nuclei of strontium-90 ( 38 ) and xenon-142 ( 54 ) and some neutrons.

The strontium-90 and the xenon-142 nuclei both undergo radioactive decay with the emission of
–
β particles.

(ii) Write down the nuclear equation for this fission reaction.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

21
(iii) State the effect, if any, on the mass number (nucleon number) and on the atomic
–
number (proton number) of a nucleus when the nucleus undergoes β decay.

Mass number: ...................................................................................................

Atomic number: ...............................................................................................

(2)

22
The uranium-235 nucleus is stationary at the time that the fission reaction occurs. In this fission
reaction, 198 MeV of energy is released. Of this total energy, 102 MeV and 65 MeV are the
kinetic energies of the strontium-90 and xenon-142 nuclei respectively.

(b) (i) Calculate the magnitude of the momentum of the strontium-90 nucleus.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(4)

23
(ii) Explain why the magnitude of the momentum of the strontium-90 nucleus is not
exactly equal in magnitude to that of the xenon-142 nucleus.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

24
On the diagram below, the circle represents the position of a uranium-235 nucleus before
fission. The momentum of the strontium-90 nucleus after fission is represented by the arrow.

stro n tiu m -9 0

25
(iii) On the diagram above, draw an arrow to represent the momentum of the xenon-142
nucleus after the fission.
(2)

26
(c) In a fission reactor for the generation of electrical energy, 25% of the total energy
released in a fission reaction is converted into electrical energy.

(i) Using the data in (b), calculate the electrical energy, in joules, produced as a result
of nuclear fission of one nucleus.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

27
 3 –1 –1
(ii) The specific heat capacity of water is 4.2 × 10 J Kg K . Calculate the energy
required to raise the temperature of 250 g of water from 20°C to its boiling point
(100°C).

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

28
(iii) Using your answer to (c)(i), determine the mass of uranium-235 that must be
fissioned in order to supply the amount of energy calculated in (c)(ii). The mass of
–25
a uranium-235 atom is 3.9 × 10 kg.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 25 marks)

29
17. The distance between the 0°C and 100°C marks on a mercury-in-glass thermometer is 20 cm.
When the thermometer bulb is placed in a mixture of ice and salt, the mercury level is 4 cm
below the 0°C mark. The temperature of the mixture is

A. +20°C.

B. +5°C.

C. –5°C.

D. –20°C.
(1)

30
18. Some liquid is contained in a shallow dish that is open to the atmosphere. The rate of
evaporation of the liquid does not depend on

A. the temperature of the liquid.

B. the temperature of the atmosphere.

C. the depth of the liquid.

D. the pressure of the atmosphere.

(1)

31
19. The temperature of an ideal gas is reduced. Which one of the following statements is true?

A. The molecules collide with the walls of the container less frequently.

B. The molecules collide with each other more frequently.

C. The time of contact between the molecules and the wall is reduced.

D. The time of contact between molecules is increased.

(1)

32
20. This question is about the change of phase (state) of ice.

A quantity of crushed ice is removed from a freezer and placed in a calorimeter. Thermal energy
is supplied to the ice at a constant rate. To ensure that all the ice is at the same temperature, it is
continually stirred. The temperature of the contents of the calorimeter is recorded every 15
seconds.

The graph below shows the variation with time t of the temperature θ of the contents of the
calorimeter. (Uncertainties in the measured quantities are not shown.)

20

15

10

C 0

–5

–10

–15

–20
0 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200
t/s

33
(a) On the graph above, mark with an X, the data point on the graph at which all the ice has
just melted.
(1)

(b) Explain, with reference to the energy of the molecules, the constant temperature region of
the graph.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

34
 –1 –1
The mass of the ice is 0.25 kg and the specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J kg K .

(c) Use these data and data from the graph to

(i) deduce that energy is supplied to the ice at the rate of about 530 W.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

35
(ii) determine the specific heat capacity of ice.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

36
(iii) determine the specific latent heat of fusion of ice.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 12 marks)

37
21. This question is about the change of phase (state) of ice.

A quantity of crushed ice is removed from a freezer and placed in a calorimeter. Thermal energy
is supplied to the ice at a constant rate. To ensure that all the ice is at the same temperature, it is
continually stirred. The temperature of the contents of the calorimeter is recorded every 15
seconds.

38
The graph below shows the variation with time t of the temperature θ of the contents of the
calorimeter. (Uncertainties in the measured quantities are not shown.)

20

15

10

°C 0

–5

–10

–15

–20
0 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200
t/s

39
(a) On the graph above, mark with an X, the data point on the graph at which all the ice has
just melted.
(1)

40
(b) Explain, with reference to the energy of the molecules, the constant temperature region of
the graph.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

41
 –1 –1
The mass of the ice is 0.25 kg and the specific heat capacity of water is 4200 Jkg K .

(c) Use these data and data from the graph to

(i) deduce that energy is supplied to the ice at the rate of about 530 W.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

42
(ii) determine the specific heat capacity of ice.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

43
(iii) determine the specific latent heat of fusion of ice.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

44
(d) State what property of the molecules of the ice is measured by a change in entropy.

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

45
(e) State, in terms of entropy change, the second law of thermodynamics.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

46
(f) State what happens to the entropy of water as it freezes. Outline how this change in
entropy is consistent with the second law of thermodynamics.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 18 marks)

47
22. Which of the following involves a change in the total energy of the objects?

A. Some ice and water as the ice melts at constant temperature.

B. An electron accelerated by a magnetic field.

C. A satellite in a circular orbit round the Earth.

D. A stone falling in a vacuum towards the Earth’s surface.

(1)

48
23. A temperature scale is to be constructed using the property X of a substance. Which of the
following must be a characteristic of the property X?

A. The value of the property must be zero at zero kelvin.

B. The property must increase with increase of temperature.

C. The property must have a different value at each temperature to be measured.

D. The value of the property must vary linearly with kelvin temperature.
(1)

49
24. Which of the following is not an assumption on which the kinetic model of an ideal gas is
based?

A. All molecules behave as if they are perfectly elastic spheres.

B. The mean-square speed of the molecules is proportional to the kelvin temperature.

C. Unless in contact, the forces between molecules are negligible.

D. The molecules are in continuous random motion.

(1)

50
25. As part of an experiment to determine the latent heat of vaporisation of water, a student boils
some water in a beaker using an electric heater as shown below.

b eak er
h eater

w ater

The student notes two sources of error.

Error 1: thermal energy is lost from the sides of the beaker

Error 2: as the water is boiling, water splashes out of the beaker

51
Which of the following gives the correct effect of these two errors on the calculated value for
the specific latent heat?

Error 1 Error 2

A. Increase Decrease

B. Increase No change

C. Decrease Increase

D. Decrease No change
(1)

52
26. This question is about specific heat capacity and specific latent heat.

(a) Define specific heat capacity.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

53
(b) Explain briefly why the specific heat capacity of different substances such as aluminium
and water are not equal in value.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

54
A quantity of water at temperature θ is placed in a pan and heated at a constant rate until some
of the water has turned into steam. The boiling point of the water is 100°C.

(c) (i) Using the axes below, draw a sketch-graph to show the variation with time t of the
temperature θ of the water. (Note: this is a sketch-graph; you do not need to add
any values to the axes.)
(1)

1 0 0 °C

°C

0 t
tim e at w h ich
h eatin g starts
tim e at w h ich
w ater starts to b o il

55
(ii) Describe in terms of energy changes, the molecular behaviour of water and steam
during the heating process.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(5)

56
Thermal energy is supplied to the water in the pan for 10 minutes at a constant rate of 400 W.
The thermal capacity of the pan is negligible.
5
(d) (i) Deduce that the total energy supplied in 10 minutes is 2.4 × 10 J.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

57
(ii) Using the data below, estimate the mass of water turned into steam as a result of
this heating process.

initial mass of water = 0.30 kg

initial temperature of the water θ = 20°C
3 –1 –1
specific heat capacity of water = 4.2 × 10 J kg K
6 –1
specific latent heat of vaporization of water = 2.3 × 10 Jkg

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

58
(iii) Suggest one reason why this mass is an estimate.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 14 marks)

59
27. Which of the following is the internal energy of a system?

A. The total thermal energy gained by the system during melting and boiling.

B. The sum of the potential and the kinetic energies of the particles of the system.

C. The total external work done on the system during melting and boiling.

D. The change in the potential energy of the system that occurs during melting and boiling.
(1)

60
28. Three bodies X, Y and Z are at temperatures θX, θY and θZ respectively. Thermal energy passes
freely from Y to X and also from Z to X, as illustrated below.

X
X
Z
Z

Y
Y

61
The direction of flow of thermal energy, if any, between Y and Z is unknown. What can be
deduced about the temperatures θX, θY and θZ?

A. θX = (θY +θZ)

B. θY = θZ

C. θY > θX

D. θX > θZ
(1)

62
29. During an experiment, a solid is heated from 285 K to 298 K.

Which one of the following gives the rise in temperature, in deg C, and the final temperature,
in °C, of the solid?

Rise in temperature in deg C Final temperature in °C

A. 13 571

B. 13 25

C. 286 571

D. 286 25
(1)

63
30. A liquid is contained in a dish open to the atmosphere.

Which one of the following contains three factors that affect rate of evaporation of the liquid?

A. Temperature of the liquid Surface area Specific latent heat of vaporization

B. Temperature of the liquid Mass of liquid Specific latent heat of vaporization

C. Surface area Mass of liquid Temperature of the liquid

D. Mass of liquid Surface area Specific latent heat of vaporization

(1)

64
31. This question is about an experiment to measure the temperature of a flame.

(a) Define heat (thermal) capacity.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

65
A piece of metal is held in the flame of a Bunsen burner for several minutes. The metal is then
quickly transferred to a known mass of water contained in a calorimeter.

flam e

w ater calo rim eter

co n tain er

B u n sen b u rn er
lag g in g (in su latio n )

The water into which the metal has been placed is stirred until it reaches a steady temperature.

66
(b) Explain why

(i) the metal is transferred as quickly as possible from the flame to the water;

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

67
(ii) the water is stirred.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

68
The following data are available:
–1
heat capacity of metal = 82.7 J K
2 –1
heat capacity of the water in the calorimeter = 5.46 × 10 J K
–1
heat capacity of the calorimeter = 54.6 J K
initial temperature of the water = 288 K
final temperature of the water = 353 K

69
(c) Assuming negligible energy losses in the processes involved, use the data to calculate the
temperature T of the Bunsen flame.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 7 marks)

70
32. This question is about momentum and the kinematics of a proposed journey to Jupiter.

(a) State the law of conservation of momentum.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

71
A solar propulsion engine uses solar power to ionize atoms of xenon and to accelerate them. As
a result of the acceleration process, the ions are ejected from the spaceship with a speed of
4 –1
3.0 × 10 m s .

x en o n io n s sp acesh ip
sp eed = 3 .0 × 1 0 4 m s – 1 m ass = 5 .4 × 1 0 2 k g

72
(b) The mass (nucleon) number of the xenon used is 131. Deduce that the mass of one ion of
–25
xenon is 2.2 × 10 kg.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

73
 18
(c) The original mass of the fuel is 81 kg. Deduce that, if the engine ejects 77 × 10 xenon
7
ions every second, the fuel will last for 1.5 years. (1 year = 3.2 × 10 s)

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

74
 2
(d) The mass of the spaceship is 5.4 × 10 kg. Deduce that the initial acceleration of the
–5 –2
spaceship is 8.2 × 10 m s .

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(5)

75
 The graph below shows the variation with time t of the acceleration a of the spaceship. The
solar propulsion engine is switched on at time t = 0 when the speed of the spaceship is 1.2 × 103
–1
ms .

1 0 .0

9 .5

a / × 1 0 – 5m s – 2
9 .0

8 .5

8 .0
0 .0 1 .0 2 .0 3 .0 4 .0 5 .0 6 .0
t / × 107 s

76
(e) Explain why the acceleration of the spaceship is increasing with time.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

77
(f) Using data from the graph, calculate the speed of the spaceship at the time when the
xenon fuel has all been used.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(4)

78
(g) The distance of the spaceship from Earth when the solar propulsion engine is switched on
is very small compared to the distance from Earth to Jupiter. The fuel runs out when the
–11
spaceship is a distance of 4.7 × 10 m from Jupiter. Estimate the total time that it would
take the spaceship to travel from Earth to Jupiter.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 19 marks)

79
33. A liquid is evaporating, causing the liquid to cool.
The temperature of the liquid decreases because

A. the number of liquid molecules is decreasing.

B. the mean kinetic energy of the liquid molecules is decreasing.

C. the pressure above the liquid surface is increasing.

D. the rate of evaporation is increasing.

(1)

80
34. The Kelvin temperature of an ideal gas is a measure of the

A. average speed of the molecules.

B. average momentum of the molecules.

C. average kinetic energy of the molecules.

D. average potential energy of the molecules.

(1)

81
35. The specific latent heat of vaporization of a substance is defined as the amount of thermal
energy required to

A. change a liquid to vapour at constant pressure.

B. change a liquid to vapour at constant temperature.

C. change unit mass of liquid to vapour at constant pressure.

D. change unit mass of liquid to vapour at constant temperature.

(1)

82
36. A gas is contained in a cylinder fitted with a piston as shown below.

p isto n
g as

83
When the gas is compressed rapidly by the piston its temperature rises because the molecules of
the gas

A. are squeezed closer together.

B. collide with each other more frequently.

C. collide with the walls of the container more frequently.

D. gain energy from the moving piston.

(1)

84
37. This question is about thermal physics.

(a) Explain why, when a liquid evaporates, the liquid cools unless thermal energy is supplied
to it.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

85
(b) State two factors that cause an increase in the rate of evaporation of a liquid.

1. .................................................................................................................................

2. .................................................................................................................................
(2)

86
(c) Some data for ice and for water are given below.
3 –1 –1
Specific heat capacity of ice = 2.1 × 10 J kg K
3 –1 –1
Specific heat capacity of water = 4.2 × 10 J kg K
5 –1
Specific latent heat of fusion of ice = 3.3 × 10 J kg

A mass of 350 g of water at a temperature of 25°C is placed in a refrigerator that extracts

thermal energy from the water at a rate of 86 W.

Calculate the time taken for the water to become ice at –5.0°C.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 9 marks)

87
38. This question is about electrical components.

(a) In the space below, draw a circuit diagram that could be used to determine the current-
voltage (I-V) characteristics of an electrical component X.

co m p o n en t X

(2)

88
The graph below shows the I-V characteristics for the component X.

I/A 6

0
–8 –6 –4 –2 0 2 4 6 8
V /V

–2

–4

–6

89
The component X is now connected across the terminals of a battery of emf 6.0 V and negligible
internal resistance.

(b) Use the graph to determine

(i) the current in component X;

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

90
(ii) the resistance of component X.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

91
A resistor R of constant resistance 2.0 Ω is now connected in series with component X as shown
below.

X R
2 .0 

92
(c) (i) On the graph in (a), draw the I-V characteristics for the resistor R.
(2)

93
(ii) Determine the total potential difference E that must be applied across component X
and across resistor R such that the current through X and R is 3.0 A.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

94
(d) (i) A resistor is to be used as a temperature-measuring device. List two desirable
properties of such a device.

1. .......................................................................................................................

2. .......................................................................................................................
(2)

95
(ii) Explain how a temperature scale could be constructed for this resistance
thermometer.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 14 marks)

96
39. This question is about ideal gases and specific heat capacity.

(a) (i) State, in terms of kinetic theory, what is meant by an ideal gas.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

97
(ii) Explain why the internal energy of an ideal gas is kinetic energy only.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

98
 3 5
A fixed mass of an ideal gas has a volume of 870 cm at a pressure of 1.00 × 10 Pa and a
temperature of 20.0°C. The gas is heated at constant pressure to a temperature of 21.0°C.

(b) (i) Calculate the change in volume of the gas.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

99
(ii) Determine the external work done during this process.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

100
(c) (i) Define specific heat capacity.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

101
(ii) Explain what happens to the molecules of an ideal gas when the temperature of the
gas is increased at constant volume.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

102
(iii) Apply the first law of thermodynamics to show that, if the temperature of a gas is
raised at constant pressure, the specific heat capacity of the gas is different from
that when the temperature is raised at constant volume.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 17 marks)

103
40. Temperature is the only property that determines

A. the total internal energy of a substance.

B. the phase (state) of a substance.

C. the direction of thermal energy transfer between two bodies in thermal contact.

D. the process by which a body loses thermal energy to the surroundings.

(1)

104
41. A substance is heated at a constant rate. The sketch graph shows the variation with time t of the
temperature  of the substance.

X Y

W
= 0 t

In which region or regions of the graph must there be more than one phase of the substance
present?

A. WX and YZ

B. WX only

C. WX, XY and YZ

D. XY only
(1)

105
42. Two ideal gases X and Y, are contained in a cylinder at constant temperature. The mass of the
atoms of X is m and of Y is 4m.

Which one of the following is the correct value of the ratio

average kinetic energy of the atoms of Y

?
average kinetic energy of the atoms of X

A. 1

B. 2

C. 4

D. 16
(1)

43. The physics of cooling

(a) Explain what is meant by the temperature of a substance.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(2)

106
A thermometer is placed in a liquid contained in an open beaker. The reading of the
thermometer is recorded at regular intervals. The variation with time t of the temperature  is
shown below.

/ C 80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000
t/s

(b) The temperature of the surroundings is 20C. On the graph continue the line to show the
variation with time of the temperature for the next 3000 s.
(2)

(c) By reference to the graph, state and explain the rate of loss of thermal energy from the
substance between

(i) 0 and 600 s;

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

107
 (ii) 600 and 1800 s.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(4)

–1 –1
The mass of the liquid is 0.11 kg and the specific heat capacity of the liquid is 1300 J kg K .

(d) (i) Use the graph to deduce that the rate of loss of thermal energy at time t = 600 s is
approximately 4 W.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii) Calculate the specific latent heat of fusion of the liquid.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 16 marks)

108
44. For a system that undergoes a small change of state,

Q = U + W

where +Q = thermal energy transferred to the system

+U = increase in internal energy of the system
+W = the work done by the system.

In an adiabatic compression of an ideal gas, which one of the following is true in respect of Q,
U and W?

Q U W

A. Zero Positive Negative

B. Zero Negative Negative
C. Positive Positive Positive
D. Negative Zero Positive
(1)

109
45. The physics of cooling

(a) Explain what is meant by the temperature of a substance.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(2)

A thermometer is placed in a liquid contained in an open beaker. The reading of the

thermometer is recorded at regular intervals. The variation with time t of the temperature  is
shown below.

/ C 80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000
t/s

(b) The temperature of the surroundings is 20C. On the graph continue the line to show the
variation with time of the temperature for the next 3000 s.
(2)

110
(c) By reference to the graph, state and explain the rate of loss of thermal energy from the
substance between

(i) 0 and 600 s;

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) 600 and 1800 s.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(4)

–1 –1
The mass of the liquid is 0.11 kg and the specific heat capacity of the liquid is 1300 J kg K .

(d) (i) Use the graph to deduce that the rate of loss of thermal energy at time t = 600 s is
approximately 4 W.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)

111
 (ii) Calculate the specific latent heat of fusion of the liquid.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 16 marks)

46. The internal energy of a solid substance is equal to the

A. average kinetic energy of the molecules.

B. total kinetic energy of the molecules.

C. total potential energy of the molecules.

D. total potential and total kinetic energy of the molecules.

(1)

112
47. The specific heat capacity c of a solid block of mass m is determined by heating the block and
measuring its temperature. The graph below shows the variation of the temperature T of the
block with the thermal energy Q transferred to the block.

0 Q

The gradient of the line is equal to

c
.
A. m

m
.
B. c

C. mc.

1
.
D. mc
(1)

48. Which of the following correctly shows the changes, if any, in the potential energy and in the
kinetic energy of the molecules of a solid as it melts?

Potential energy Kinetic energy

A. Decreases Increases

B. Increases Stays the same

C. Stays the same Decreases

D. Stays the same Stays the same

(1)

113
49. This question is about specific heat capacity and a domestic shower.

(a) Define the term specific heat capacity.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b) Equal masses of two different solid substances A and B are at the same temperature. The
specific heat capacity of substance A is greater than the specific heat capacity of
substance B. The two substances now have their temperatures raised by the same amount.

Explain which substance will have the greater increase in internal energy assuming both
remain in the solid phase.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c) In an experiment to measure the specific heat capacity of a metal, a piece of the metal is
immersed in boiling water and left there for several minutes. It is then transferred quickly
into some cold water in a calorimeter. The water is stirred and the maximum temperature
of the water is recorded.

(i) State why the metal is left in the boiling water for several minutes.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) Write down a word equation for the thermal energy QM lost by the metal to the
water.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

114
 (iii) Write down a word equation for the thermal energy QW gained by the water in the
calorimeter.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(iv) A value of the specific heat capacity of the metal may be calculated from (ii) and
(iii) by assuming that QM = QW.

State why in practice, this assumption leads to an error in the calculated value of
the specific heat capacity.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(d) The diagram below shows part of the heating circuit of a domestic shower.

in su lated w ire
w ater p ip e
240V
su p p ly

co ld w ater 1 4 C h o t w ater 4 0 C
in su lated h eatin g elem en t

Cold water enters the shower unit and flows over an insulated heating element. The
heating element is rated at 7.2 kW, 240 V. The water enters at a temperature of 14C and
−1
leaves at a temperature of 40C. The specific heat capacity of water is 4.2  103 J kg
−1
K .

115
(i) Describe how thermal energy is transferred from the heating element to the water.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)

116
 −1
(ii) Estimate the flow rate in kg s of the water.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(4)

(iii) Suggest two reasons why your answer to (b) is only an estimate.

1. ...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

2. ...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(2)

(iv) Calculate the current in the heating element when the element is operating at 7.2
kW.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(v) Explain why, when the shower unit is switched on, the initial current in the heating
element is greater than the current calculated in (iv).

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

117
(e) In some countries, shower units are operated from a 110 V supply. A heating element
operating with a 240 V supply has resistance R240 and an element operating from a 110 V
supply has resistance R110.

(i) Deduce, that for heating elements to have identical power outputs

R110
 0.21.
R240

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii) Using the ratio in (i), describe and explain one disadvantage of using a 110 V
supply for domestic purposes.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 25 marks)

118
50. Heating water electrically

The diagram below shows part of the heating circuit of a domestic shower.

in su lated w ire
w ater p ip e
240V
su p p ly

co ld w ater 1 4 C h o t w ater 4 0 C
in su lated h eatin g elem en t

Cold water enters the shower unit and flows over an insulated heating element. The heating
element is rated at 7.2 kW, 240 V. The water enters at a temperature of 14C and leaves at a
3 −1 −1
temperature of 40C. The specific heat capacity of water is 4.2  10 J kg K .

(a) Describe how thermal energy is transferred from the heating element to the water.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(3)

−1
(b) Estimate the flow rate in kg s of the water.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(4)

119
(c) Suggest two reasons why your answer to (b) is only an estimate.

1. .........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

2. .........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(d) Calculate the current in the heating element when the element is operating at 7.2 kW.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(2)

(e) Explain why, when the shower unit is switched on, the initial current in the heating
element is greater than the current calculated in (d).

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(2)

120
(f) In some countries, shower units are operated from a 110 V supply. A heating element
operating with a 240 V supply has resistance R240 and an element operating from a 110 V
supply has resistance R110.

(i) Deduce, that for heating elements to have identical power outputs

R110
 0.21.
R240

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii) Using the ratio in (i), describe and explain one disadvantage of using a 110 V
supply for domestic purposes.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 18 marks)

121
51. A lump of metal is initially at a temperature of 100C. The metal is heated so that its
temperature rises by  degrees, as measured on the Celsius scale. The rise in temperature, as
measured on the Kelvin scale is

A.  − 273.

B. .

C.  + 273.

D.  + 373.
(1)

52. A large mass M of ice of specific latent heat L is at its melting point (0C). A small mass m of
water at  C is poured on to the block of ice. The specific heat capacity of water is S. Which
one of the following is a correct expression for the mass of ice melted?

mL
A. Sθ

mSθ
B. L

MSθ
C. L

MS
D. Sθ
(1)

122
 7
Li
53. The nuclear notation for lithium-7 is 3 . Which one of the following is the mass of 1 mol of
lithium-7?

A. 10 g

B. 7g

C. 4g

D. 3g
(1)

54. The heat capacity of a solid body is defined as

A. the thermal energy required to increase the body’s temperature by one degree.

B. the maximum thermal energy that must be supplied to melt the solid.

C. the total kinetic energy of the solid’s molecules.

D. the average kinetic energy of the solid’s molecules.

(1)

55. Which one of the following correctly describes the changes, if any, of the kinetic energy and the
potential energy of the molecules of a liquid as it is boiling?

Kinetic energy Potential energy

A. increases increases

B. increases stays constant

C. stays constant increases

D. stays constant stays constant

(1)

123
56. A fixed quantity of an ideal gas is compressed at constant temperature. The best explanation for
the increase in pressure is that the molecules

A. are moving faster.

B. are colliding more frequently with the container walls.

C. exert greater forces on each other.

D. are colliding more frequently with each other.

(1)

57. This question is about temperature and internal energy.

Two solid copper spheres, having different radii, undergo the same temperature change. A
student states that the change in internal energy of the two objects would be the same. Briefly
discuss this statement.

..............................................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................................................
(Total 3 marks)

58. Which one of the following correctly describes the changes, if any, of the kinetic energy and the
potential energy of the molecules of a liquid as it is boiling?

Kinetic energy Potential energy

A. increases increases

B. increases stays constant

C. stays constant increases

D. stays constant stays constant

(1)

124
59. This question is about temperature, internal energy and thermodynamics.

(a) Two solid objects undergo the same temperature change. A student states that the change
in internal energy of the two objects would be the same.

Briefly discuss this statement.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................
(3)

(b) (i) State, in terms of entropy change, the second law of thermodynamics.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) When an ice crystal forms from liquid water, the entropy of the water decreases.

By reference to the second law, discuss the entropy change.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)

125
(c) The diagram below shows the relation between the pressure P and the volume V of an
ideal gas for one cycle ABCDA of a Carnot cycle.

C
V

For the change from B to C,

(i) state the name of this change;

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) discuss, by reference to the first law of thermodynamics, the transfers of energy.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 11 marks)

126