AQA GCSE Physics
AQA GCSE Physics 4.3.2.1 Internal Energy Exam Questions
Free AQA GCSE Physics exam questions for 4.3.2.1 Internal Energy, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers internal energy as total kinetic and potential energy of particles, and how heating changes temperature or state.
4.3.2.1 Internal Energy exam questions
3 question packs of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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About AQA GCSE Physics 4.3.2.1 Internal Energy
This short AQA GCSE Physics section defines internal energy using the particle model. Internal energy is the total kinetic and potential energy of all the particles in a system. Heating a system increases its internal energy, which either raises its temperature or changes its state. It is examined on Paper 1 and sets up the next two sections on specific heat capacity and specific latent heat. Examiners test the definition word for word and ask you to explain what happens to the particles during heating and during a change of state.
What you need to know
- Energy of particles The particles that make up a system have kinetic energy because they move or vibrate, and potential energy because of their positions relative to each other (the bonds or forces between them).
- Internal energy Internal energy is the total kinetic energy and potential energy of all the particles (atoms and molecules) that make up a system.
- Heating a system Heating changes the energy stored within the system by increasing the energy of its particles. This increases the internal energy.
- Temperature rise or change of state Heating either raises the temperature of the system (increasing the kinetic energy of the particles) or produces a change of state (increasing the potential energy of the particles), but not both at once.
- Temperature and kinetic energy The temperature of a substance is related to the average kinetic energy of its particles. Higher temperature means faster average particle movement.
Common mistakes in 4.3.2.1 Internal Energy
- Defining internal energy as just kinetic energy, or as 'heat'. It is the total kinetic and potential energy of all the particles.
- Saying temperature increases during melting. During a change of state the temperature stays constant; the energy goes into the potential energy of the particles.
- Forgetting the word 'total' or 'all the particles' in the definition, which costs the mark.
- Saying particles get bigger or hotter. The individual particles do not change; their energy and spacing change.
Try three 4.3.2.1 Internal Energy exam-style questions
1. Define internal energy. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
The total kinetic energy and potential energy; of all the particles that make up a system.
2. Explain what happens to the particles in a block of ice as it is heated from minus 10 °C to minus 2 °C. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
The particles vibrate faster / gain kinetic energy; so the internal energy and the temperature increase (the ice stays solid).
3. Explain why the temperature of water does not change while it is boiling, even though it is still being heated. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
The energy supplied increases the potential energy of the particles; it is used to overcome (break) the forces between particles to change state; the kinetic energy of the particles does not increase, so the temperature stays constant.
4.3.2.1 Internal Energy FAQs
What does AQA GCSE Physics 4.3.2.1 Internal energy cover?
It covers the definition of internal energy and how heating a system increases it, either raising the temperature or changing the state.
How is internal energy linked to the next sections?
A rise in temperature is calculated using specific heat capacity (4.3.2.2), and a change of state using specific latent heat (4.3.2.3).
What definition should I learn word for word?
Internal energy is the total kinetic energy and potential energy of all the particles that make up a system.
