Physics 5054 · O Level · Specific heat capacity

Specific heat capacity — practice question

A boiler that contains water is connected to a 230 V mains supply, and the heater inside the boiler is running at full power.
(a(i))[3]

The heater uses a power of 2.8 kW. Calculate the current in the heater.

(a(ii))[1]

The wiring in the cable from the socket and in the boiler will stay safe and will not overheat as long as the current is less than 20 A. Suggest a suitable fuse rating for the circuit.

(b(i))[2]

The specific heat capacity of water is $4200\,\text{J kg}^{-1}\,^{\circ}\text{C}^{-1}$. The heater is used to raise the temperature of 6.3 kg of water. Over a certain time, the water temperature rises from 23 ^{\circ}C to 49 ^{\circ}C. Calculate the change in the internal energy of the water.

(b(ii))[1]

The heater transfers thermal energy to the water at a steady rate. It takes longer for the water temperature to rise from 49 ^{\circ}C to 75 ^{\circ}C than from 23 ^{\circ}C to 49 ^{\circ}C, even though the temperature rise is the same in both cases. Suggest why it takes more time for the temperature to increase from 49 ^{\circ}C to 75 ^{\circ}C.

(c(i))[3]

Fig. 10.1 places the heater at the bottom of the water in the boiler. Explain how thermal energy is transferred from the heater throughout the water.

(c(ii))[3]

The section of the boiler that contains the water is made from steel. Describe, in terms of particles, how thermal energy travels through the steel.

(c(iii))[2]

State and explain, in terms of particles, what happens to the density of the steel as its temperature rises.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 15-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Using $P=VI$, $I = P / V = 2800 / 230$.

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