Physics 5054 · O Level · Transfer of thermal energy

Transfer of thermal energy — practice question

Fig. 3.1 shows a metal coffee cup resting on a metal warming plate. A small electrical heater is fitted inside the warming plate, making the plate hotter than the coffee.
(a)[3]

Describe how heat passes through the metal and then spreads to all of the liquid in the cup.

(b)[1]

A differently shaped cup is placed on the same heater, as shown in Fig. 3.2. The two cups are made of the same metal and hold the same amount of coffee. Explain why the coffee in the cup in Fig. 3.2 is not kept as warm as the coffee in the cup in Fig. 3.1.

(c(i))[1]

Underline the colour and surface finish that will keep the coffee warmest: black / white and dull / shiny.

(c(ii))[1]

Explain the reason for your answer to (c)(i).

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 6-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Heat-transfer process named as conduction in the metal or convection in the liquid

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