Two heated incubation chambers, P and Q, are identical except that P has an access door on its top surface, and Q has an access door on its bottom surface. Both chambers are initially kept at a temperature well above the room temperature. Both doors are opened for the same short duration of time. Which chamber loses the least amount of thermal energy during this time, and what is the reason?
Chamber losing the least thermal energy: P; Reason: warm air rises
Chamber losing the least thermal energy: P; Reason: cold air rises
Chamber losing the least thermal energy: Q; Reason: warm air rises
Chamber losing the least thermal energy: Q; Reason: cold air rises
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.