AQA GCSE Physics
AQA GCSE Physics 4.3.2.2 Temperature Changes in a System and Specific Heat Capacity Exam Questions
Free AQA GCSE Physics exam questions for 4.3.2.2 Temperature Changes in a System and Specific Heat Capacity, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers how the temperature rise of a system depends on energy input, mass and material, and specific heat capacity calculations.
4.3.2.2 Temperature Changes in a System and Specific Heat Capacity exam questions
2 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.
StemUp mark scheme flashcards
GCSE Physics Triple Science Flashcards for 2027 Onwards
Every answer is written in mark scheme wording, so you learn exactly what examiners give marks for. Then test yourself with the questions on this page.
From £7.99View flashcards
About AQA GCSE Physics 4.3.2.2 Temperature Changes in a System and Specific Heat Capacity
This AQA GCSE Physics section looks at temperature change through the particle model. If the temperature of a system increases, the increase depends on the mass of substance heated, the type of material and the energy input. You use the equation ΔE = m c Δθ, first met in the Energy topic in 4.1.1.3, but here the focus is on what is happening to internal energy. It is examined on Paper 1. Examiners test calculations, comparing how quickly different materials heat up, and explaining results in terms of particles and energy.
What you need to know
- Factors affecting temperature rise The increase in temperature of a system depends on the mass of the substance heated, the type of material (its specific heat capacity) and the energy input to the system.
- The equation ΔE = m c Δθ, where ΔE is change in thermal energy in J, m is mass in kg, c is specific heat capacity in J/kg °C and Δθ is temperature change in °C. Given on the equation sheet.
- Specific heat capacity The specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of the substance by one degree Celsius.
- Comparing materials For the same mass and energy input, a material with a lower specific heat capacity has a bigger temperature rise. Metals generally have low values; water has a high value (about 4200 J/kg °C).
- Cooling The same equation applies to cooling: the energy released when a substance cools is m c Δθ. A material with a high specific heat capacity releases more energy for each degree it cools.
- Link to internal energy Increasing the temperature increases the average kinetic energy of the particles, so the internal energy increases by ΔE.
Common mistakes in 4.3.2.2 Temperature Changes in a System and Specific Heat Capacity
- Using the final temperature rather than the change in temperature.
- Thinking a high specific heat capacity means a material heats up quickly. A high value means it needs more energy, so it heats up more slowly for the same energy input.
- Applying ΔE = m c Δθ during a change of state. During melting or boiling there is no temperature change; use E = m L instead.
- Forgetting to rearrange carefully, for example dividing by m only instead of by m c when finding Δθ.
Try three 4.3.2.2 Temperature Changes in a System and Specific Heat Capacity exam-style questions
1. 0.80 kg of oil is heated with 16 800 J of energy. Specific heat capacity of oil = 2100 J/kg °C. Calculate the temperature rise. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Δθ = ΔE / (m c); = 16 800 / (0.80 x 2100); = 10 °C.
2. Equal masses of copper and water are given the same amount of energy. Copper has a lower specific heat capacity than water. Explain which has the larger temperature rise. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Copper; less energy is needed to raise the temperature of each kilogram of copper by 1 °C, so the same energy gives a larger temperature rise.
3. A 0.50 kg block of iron cools from 120 °C to 20 °C. Specific heat capacity of iron = 450 J/kg °C. Calculate the energy transferred to the surroundings. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
ΔE = 0.50 x 450 x 100; = 22 500 J.
4.3.2.2 Temperature Changes in a System and Specific Heat Capacity FAQs
What does AQA GCSE Physics 4.3.2.2 Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity cover?
It covers the factors that affect temperature rise, the definition of specific heat capacity and calculations using ΔE = m c Δθ.
How is this different from 4.1.1.3?
The equation is the same, but 4.1.1.3 includes the required practical, while 4.3.2.2 explains temperature change in terms of internal energy and particles.
When should I use ΔE = m c Δθ instead of E = m L?
Use m c Δθ when the temperature changes and the state does not. Use E = m L when the state changes at constant temperature.
