Physics 5054 · O Level · Specific heat capacity

Specific heat capacity — practice question

As the temperature of a liquid rises, its particles gain kinetic energy and the liquid expands.
(a)[2]

Explain, using particles, why a liquid expands when it is heated.

(b(i))[1]

State the name of the method of thermal energy transfer that carries energy to the water touching the heater.

(b(ii))[3]

Explain how thermal energy is transferred through all of the water in the kettle.

(b(iii))[1]

State the boiling point of water at standard atmospheric pressure. Give the unit in your answer.

(b(iv))[3]

The kettle contains $2.5\,\text{kg}$ of water at standard atmospheric pressure. The specific heat capacity of water is $4200\,\text{J (kg ^{\circ}C)}^{-1}$. Once the water reaches boiling temperature, the kettle switches off. Calculate the increase in the internal energy of the water.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: particles move further apart or the distance between particles increases

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