Physics 5054 · O Level · Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases

Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases — practice question

A nurse is using a mercury-in-glass clinical thermometer to take a patient’s temperature. Fig. 5.1 illustrates the layout of a clinical thermometer.
(a(i)1)[1]

State what range means.

(a(i)2)[1]

State what sensitivity means.

(a(ii))[2]

State and explain one feature of this clinical thermometer that gives it a high sensitivity.

(b)[1]

State the purpose of the constriction in the clinical thermometer.

(c)[3]

Explain, using the mercury molecules, how a temperature increase leads to a larger reading on the thermometer.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: The difference between the highest and lowest marked temperatures

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