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

Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases — practice question

Liquid-in-glass thermometers use the expansion of a liquid to indicate changes in temperature.
(a(i))[2]

Fig. 9.1 shows the molecular structure of a solid and a gas. In the middle box of Fig. 9.1, draw a sketch to represent the molecular structure of a liquid.

(a(ii))[2]

Explain why a gas is easier to compress than a solid.

(a(iii))[2]

The temperature of a liquid-in-glass thermometer rises. State two ways in which the molecules of the liquid in the thermometer are affected.

(b(i))[2]

Fig. 9.2 shows the liquid-in-glass thermometer. There is no scale on the thermometer. State what is meant by the ice point and the steam point.

(b(ii))[2]

Describe how the ice point and the steam point are used to mark the thermometer.

(c(i))[2]

Explain how increasing the mass of liquid in the bulb affects the range of a liquid-in-glass thermometer.

(c(ii))[3]

Explain how increasing the diameter of the narrow tube affects the range of a liquid-in-glass thermometer.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 15-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: A similar or slightly lower packing density; most molecules touching

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