Thermal properties and temperature: Practice Questions

Which statement correctly explains why evaporation results in the cooling of the remaining liquid?

A puddle of water on a road disappears on a windy day even though the temperature of the air is well below \( 100^\circ\text{C} \).

Which row correctly describes the evaporation process in terms of the kinetic particle model and its effect on the temperature of the remaining water?

When the temperature of a substance increases, it usually undergoes thermal expansion. Which statement correctly compares the relative expansion of solids, liquids, and gases for the same rise in temperature?

When a substance changes state from a solid to a liquid at its melting point, how do the average kinetic energy and the potential energy of the particles change?

Two liquid-in-glass thermometers, P and Q, are constructed using the same type of glass and the same volume of the same liquid. Thermometer P has a larger bulb than thermometer Q, but both have capillary tubes with the same internal diameter.

Which statement compares the sensitivity and the range of thermometer P to thermometer Q?

A student uses an electric heater to provide \( 12\text{ kJ} \) of energy to a \( 500\text{ g} \) block of aluminum. The temperature of the block rises from \( 20^\circ\text{C} \) to \( 46^\circ\text{C} \).

Determine the specific heat capacity of the aluminum block based on these results.

Using the kinetic particle model, describe two key differences between the processes of boiling and evaporation.

An immersion heater rated at \(120\text{ W}\) is used to heat \(0.50\text{ kg}\) of a liquid in a container with a thermal capacity of \(300\text{ J}/^\circ\text{C}\). The temperature of the liquid and the container rises from \(20^\circ\text{C}\) to \(50^\circ\text{C}\) in exactly \(10\text{ minutes}\). Calculate the average rate of thermal energy loss to the surroundings during this heating process. (Specific heat capacity of the liquid = \(2400\text{ J}/(\text{kg}^\circ\text{C})\))

(a) Define the term internal energy in relation to the temperature of an object.
(b) A laboratory thermometer shows a reading of \(22.5^\circ\text{C}\). Calculate this temperature in Kelvin (K).
(c) Describe, in terms of the arrangement and motion of particles, why a metal rod undergoes thermal expansion when it is heated.

A student uses a \( 150\text{ W} \) electric heater to heat a \( 2.5\text{ kg} \) block of metal. The temperature of the block rises from \( 20^\circ\text{C} \) to \( 60^\circ\text{C} \) in a time of \( 8.0\text{ minutes} \).

(a) Calculate the total thermal energy supplied by the heater in Joules.
(b) Calculate the specific heat capacity of the metal based on this experimental data.
(c) The actual specific heat capacity of this metal is known to be \( 390\text{ J}/(\text{kg}^\circ\text{C}) \). Suggest why the experimental value differs from the actual value and provide one specific improvement to the setup to increase accuracy.
(d) Explain, in terms of particle arrangement and forces, why solids typically undergo much less thermal expansion than gases for the same rise in temperature.