Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Specific heat capacity and specific latent heat

Specific heat capacity and specific latent heat — practice question

(a)[2]

Define the term specific latent heat.

(b)

A dish holding $7.2 \times 10^{-5}\,\text{m}^3$ of a substance is placed on a laboratory bench. At the start, the substance is a liquid with density $710\,\text{kg m}^{-3}$. Atmospheric pressure is $1.0 \times 10^{5}\,\text{Pa}$. The liquid is heated at its boiling point until it all becomes vapour. During this process, the increase in internal energy of the substance is $17.6\,\text{kJ}$. The vapour finishes with a volume of $0.017\,\text{m}^3$.

(b(i))[2]

Show that the magnitude of the work done on the substance as it vaporises is $1.7\,\text{kJ}$.

(b(ii))[2]

Use the information in (b)(i) to find the thermal energy $Q$, in kJ, that must be supplied to the substance for it to vaporise.

(b(iii))[2]

Use your answer in (b)(ii) to find a value for the specific latent heat of vaporisation $L_v$, in $\text{kJ kg}^{-1}$, of the substance.

(c)[3]

The substance in (b) has a specific latent heat of fusion $L_F$. Suggest and explain whether $L_F$ is likely to be less than, the same as, or greater than the value in (b)(iii).

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Thermal energy needed per unit mass to change state

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