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2.3 Transfer of thermal energy

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Question 5

A student investigates how the thickness of an insulating material (measured by the number of layers wrapped around a beaker) affects the rate at which hot water cools.

The following apparatus is available:

  • a glass beaker
  • a supply of hot water
  • a thermometer
  • a stopwatch
  • a measuring cylinder
  • a roll of bubble wrap (insulating material) and scissors

The student can also use other apparatus and materials that are usually available in a school laboratory.

Plan an experiment to investigate how the number of layers of bubble wrap affects the cooling of hot water over a fixed time period.

In your plan, you should:

  • draw a diagram of the apparatus used
  • explain briefly how you would carry out the investigation
  • state the key variables that you would control
  • draw a table, or tables, with column headings, to show how you would display your readings (you are not required to enter any readings in the table)
  • explain how you would use your readings to reach a conclusion.
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Markscheme

2.3 Transfer of thermal energy Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /2.3 Transfer of thermal energy

301 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 2.3 Transfer of thermal energy, covering 2.3.1a Thermal conductors and thermal insulators, 2.3.1b Explaining thermal conduction, 2.3.2 Convection, 2.3.3a Thermal radiation, 2.3.3b Surface colour and texture, 2.3.3c Rate of emission and absorption of radiation, and 2.3.4 Consequences of thermal energy transfer. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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