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2.3 Transfer of thermal energy

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Question 3

A student investigates how the thickness of insulation wrapped around a metal container affects the rate at which it loses heat.

The following apparatus is available:

  • a metal container
  • a roll of felt (insulating material) of uniform thickness
  • scissors and rubber bands
  • a thermometer
  • a stop-watch
  • a supply of hot water

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

Plan an experiment to investigate the effect of the thickness of the insulating material (measured by the number of layers wrapped around the container) on the rate of heat loss from the container.

You should:

  • draw a diagram of the apparatus used
  • explain briefly how you would carry out the investigation
  • state the key variables to be kept constant
  • 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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