Physics 5054 · O Level · Specific heat capacity

Specific heat capacity — practice question

Fig. 4.1 illustrates the atoms in a sample of iron at one particular moment, with the temperature below the melting point.
(a(i))[1]

State the minimum possible temperature on the Celsius scale and on the Kelvin scale.

(a(ii))[2]

As the solid's temperature rises, it is still a solid. Describe how the motion of the particles changes.

(a(iii))[2]

The solid melts. State what happens to the internal energy and the temperature of the solid while it melts.

(b(i))[2]

A student puts a $300\,\text{g}$ block of iron into boiling water until it reaches $100\,^{\circ}\text{C}$. The iron is then taken out and placed immediately into $100\,\text{g}$ of water at $25\,^{\circ}\text{C}$. The iron cools while the water warms, and both end up at the same temperature, $44\,^{\circ}\text{C}$. The specific heat capacity of water is $4.2\,\text{J (g }^{\circ}\text{C)}^{-1}$. No energy is lost to the surroundings. Calculate the change in energy (internal energy) of the water as it warms up.

(b(ii))[2]

Calculate the specific heat capacity of iron.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 9-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: The values are -273 ^{\circ}C and 0 K.

  • Full mark scheme, point by point
  • Step-by-step worked solution
  • Write your answer & get it marked instantly by AI