Cambridge IGCSE · Science - Combined (0653)

Thermal physics: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Thermal physics.

10 questions26 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

A block of metal is heated. Which statement about the thermal expansion of the block is correct?

Question 2

1 mark

Copper is a much better thermal conductor than glass. Which statement best explains this difference in terms of particles?

Question 3

1 mark

The diagram represents three different substances: a solid, a liquid, and a gas. Each substance is heated by the same increase in temperature.
Which statement correctly compares the thermal expansion of these substances?

Question 4

1 mark

A gas is heated in a cylinder fitted with a frictionless, movable piston. As the temperature increases from \( T_1 \) to \( T_2 \), the piston moves outwards so that the pressure of the gas remains constant.
Explain, in terms of particles, why the volume must increase to keep the pressure constant.

Question 5

1 mark

Why are metals generally much better thermal conductors than non-metals such as wood or plastic?

Question 6

3 marks

A student places two identical puddles of water on the ground. Puddle A is in a sheltered area, while Puddle B is in a windy area. State which puddle evaporates faster and explain why in terms of the kinetic particle model.

Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.

Question 7

5 marks

Explain why a person feels significantly colder when they are wet and standing in a breeze, compared to when they are dry at the same air temperature.

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Question 8

3 marks

A gas is contained within a cylinder with a movable piston. The piston is slowly pushed inwards, reducing the volume while keeping the temperature constant. Using the kinetic particle model, explain why the pressure of the gas increases.

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Question 9

4 marks

Large bridges are often built with small gaps between the sections of the road surface. These gaps are often filled with a set of interlocking metal teeth.

(a) Explain why these gaps are necessary, referring to the particle model of solids.
(b) Describe what would happen to the bridge on a very hot day if these gaps were not present.

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Question 10

6 marks

Thermal energy is transferred through a copper rod by conduction.

(a) Explain the two mechanisms by which thermal energy is conducted through a metal.
(b) Explain why a piece of wood is a much poorer conductor of heat than copper.

Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.

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