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2.3 Transfer of thermal energy

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Question 42

A student is investigating whether the surface color of a container affects the rate at which hot water cools down.

The following apparatus is available:

  • 250 cm3250\text{ cm}^3250 cm3 matte black metal container
  • 250 cm3250\text{ cm}^3250 cm3 shiny silver metal container
  • 250 cm3250\text{ cm}^3250 cm3 gloss white metal container
  • kettle (to provide hot water)
  • measuring cylinder
  • thermometer
  • stopwatch
  • cardboard lids for the containers (each with a small hole for a thermometer)

Other apparatus normally used in the school laboratory is also available.

Plan an experiment to investigate whether the surface color of a container affects the rate at which hot water cools. You are not required to carry out this investigation.

You should:

  • 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 briefly 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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