Physics 5054/41 — May/June 2023

Cambridge O-Level · Alternative to Practical · worked solutions for every part, with the mark scheme

questions

marks

minutes

Topics Experimental Contexts · Observations and Measurements · Analysis, Conclusions and Evaluation · Planning Experiments and Investigations · Use of Techniques, Apparatus and Materials

Q110MObservations and MeasurementsExperimental ContextsAnalysis, Conclusions and EvaluationUse of Techniques, Apparatus and MaterialsFree sample

A student investigates specific heat capacity.

(a)

He puts $25\ \text{cm}^3$ of water in a beaker.

The thermometer in Fig. 1.1 shows the temperature $\theta_1$ of the water.

Fig. 1.1

Record $\theta_1$ .

$\theta_1$ = ______ $^\circ\text{C}$

(b)

The teacher has placed some $50\ \text{g}$ masses in boiling water. Each mass has been tied to a length of string.

The student takes the beaker of water to where the masses are in boiling water. He uses the string to remove one mass from the boiling water and places it carefully into the beaker as shown in Fig. 1.2.

Fig. 1.2

He then returns to his workstation and replaces the thermometer in the beaker.

(i)

The thermometer in Fig. 1.3 shows the maximum temperature $\theta_2$ of the water.

Fig. 1.3

Calculate the temperature change $\theta_2 - \theta_1$ .

$\theta_2 - \theta_1$ = ______

(ii)

Describe how to ensure that $\theta_2$ is measured as accurately as possible.

(iii)

The beaker is made from a special type of glass. Suggest why it is suitable for this experiment.

(iv)

Calculate the specific heat capacity $c_m$ of the $50\ \text{g}$ mass using the equation:

c_m = \frac{4.2(\theta_2 - \theta_1)}{2(100 - \theta_2)}

$c_m$ = ______ $\text{J / (g}^\circ\text{C)}$

(c)

(i)

Describe two sources of error in the method used to determine $c_m$ .

______
______

(ii)

Suggest two improvements to the method.

______
______

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3 more questions

Q2Use of Techniques, Apparatus and Materials · Experimental Contexts · Observations and Measurements · Analysis, Conclusions and Evaluation · Planning Experiments and Investigations10M
Q3Observations and Measurements · Experimental Contexts · Analysis, Conclusions and Evaluation · Planning Experiments and Investigations14M
Q4Planning Experiments and Investigations · Experimental Contexts6M

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