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2.3 Transfer of thermal energy

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Question 2

A student investigates the rate of cooling of hot water in a beaker wrapped in different insulating materials.

Plan an experiment to investigate how the rate of cooling of the hot water depends on the type of insulating material wrapped around the beaker.

The following apparatus is available to the student:

  • a glass beaker
  • a thermometer
  • sheets of different insulating materials (bubble wrap, cotton wool, foam, and newspaper)
  • a supply of hot water

Other apparatus normally available in a school laboratory can also be used.

In your plan, you should:

  • list any additional apparatus required
  • explain briefly how you would carry out the investigation, including the measurements you would take
  • state the key variables to be kept constant
  • draw a suitable table, 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 the results 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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