Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Thermal equilibrium

Thermal equilibrium — practice question

(a(i))[1]

State what can be inferred from the temperature difference between two objects.

(a(ii))[1]

State the fundamental principle used when measuring temperature.

(b)[2]

Using your response to part (a)(ii), explain why two thermometers might not show the same temperature for an object.

(c(i))[3]

An aluminium block with mass $670\ \text{g}$ is heated at a constant power of $95\ \text{W}$ for $6.0\ \text{minutes}$. The specific heat capacity of aluminium is $910\ \text{J kg}^{-1}\text{K}^{-1}$. Its initial temperature is $24\,^{\circ}\text{C}$. Assuming that no thermal energy is lost to the surroundings, show that the block ends up at $80\,^{\circ}\text{C}$.

(c(ii).1)[1]

Using the information in (i), plot on Fig. 1.1 a line that represents the block's temperature, assuming that no energy is lost to the surroundings.

(c(ii).2)[2]

Using Fig. 1.1, calculate the total energy transferred to the surroundings during the heating process.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: the direction or rate at which (thermal) energy is transferred, or (if different) not in thermal equilibrium / energy is transferred

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