Physics 5054 · O Level · Melting, boiling and evaporation

Melting, boiling and evaporation — practice question

Fig. 4.1 depicts a kettle of water on the burner of a gas cooker. The gas burner is ignited at time $t = 0$. By $t = 250\,\text{s}$, the water reaches $100^{\circ}\text{C}$, which is the boiling point of water.
(a)[1]

State the meaning of boiling point.

(b(i))[3]

The kettle holds $1.5\,\text{kg}$ of water with a specific heat capacity of $4200\,\text{J kg}^{-1}\,^{\circ}\text{C}^{-1}$. Using Fig. 4.2, work out how much the internal energy of the water increases between $t = 0$ and $t = 250\,\text{s}$.

(b(ii))[2]

Thermal energy (heat) is delivered to the water at a constant rate, yet the water's temperature rises at a rate that is not constant, as shown in Fig. 4.2. Explain why the temperature rises in this manner.

(c(i))[1]

Once the temperature reaches $100^{\circ}\text{C}$, the kettle is kept on the burner. Thermal energy continues to be supplied to the water. The water boils because molecules form bubbles and move to the surface. State what happens to the temperature of the water.

(c(ii))[2]

Explain, in terms of the molecules, why thermal energy has to be supplied to maintain boiling.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 9-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Temperature at which a liquid turns into vapour

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