Explain, in terms of molecules, why a gas can be easily compressed to a smaller volume, whereas a solid cannot.
Two open containers made of insulating material contain the same volume of ethanol at room temperature. Container A is a wide, flat petri dish, and Container B is a narrow, tall test tube. The volume of ethanol in each container gradually decreases over time.
As the ethanol evaporates, the temperature of the remaining liquid decreases below room temperature. Explain, in terms of molecules, why this temperature decrease occurs.
Predict which container of ethanol has the greater rate of cooling. Explain your answer.
528 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 2.2 Thermal properties and temperature, covering 2.2.1 Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases, 2.2.2a Internal energy and temperature, 2.2.2b Specific heat capacity, 2.2.3a Melting, boiling, condensation and solidification, 2.2.3b Evaporation, and 2.2.3c Cooling by evaporation. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.