CIE A Level Physics
CIE A Level Physics Temperature Exam Questions
Free CIE A Level Physics exam questions for Temperature, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers thermal equilibrium, the thermodynamic temperature scale, absolute zero, measuring temperature, specific heat capacity and specific latent heat.
Temperature exam questions
1 question pack 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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A-Level Physics Flashcards for 2027 Onwards
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About CIE A Level Physics Temperature
Temperature is Topic 14 of the Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702) syllabus. It explains thermal equilibrium and the direction of energy transfer, introduces the thermodynamic (kelvin) scale and absolute zero, and covers how physical properties that vary with temperature are used to measure it. You also study specific heat capacity and specific latent heat, including how to measure them. The topic leads into Ideal gases and Thermodynamics. Examiners often ask why temperature stays constant during a change of state and how to reduce energy losses in a heating experiment.
What you need to know
- Thermal equilibrium Thermal energy is transferred from a region of higher temperature to one of lower temperature. Regions at the same temperature are in thermal equilibrium, with no net transfer.
- Thermodynamic scale The thermodynamic scale does not depend on any property of a substance. Absolute zero (0 K) is the temperature at which a system has minimum internal energy. T/K = θ/°C + 273.15.
- Measuring temperature A physical property that varies with temperature, such as the resistance of a thermistor or the e.m.f. of a thermocouple, can be used to measure temperature.
- Specific heat capacity E = mcΔθ, where c is the energy needed per unit mass per unit temperature change (J kg^-1 K^-1). Measured with an electrical heater, joulemeter or V, I and t, and a thermometer.
- Specific latent heat E = mL, where L is energy per unit mass to change state without a change in temperature. Fusion is melting; vaporisation is boiling.
- Changes of state During melting or boiling, energy supplied increases the potential energy of molecules (breaking bonds), not their kinetic energy, so temperature remains constant.
Common mistakes in Temperature
- Saying temperature is a measure of heat. Temperature determines the direction of thermal energy transfer; internal energy is the total kinetic and potential energy.
- Adding 273 to a temperature change. A change of 1 °C is the same as a change of 1 K.
- Explaining constant temperature during boiling as 'energy is lost'. The energy increases molecular potential energy as intermolecular bonds are broken.
- Forgetting energy needed to heat the water after melting in multi-stage problems.
- Defining absolute zero as the temperature where molecules stop moving. Use minimum internal energy.
Try three Temperature exam-style questions
1. A 50 W heater supplies energy to a 1.0 kg metal block for 300 s and the temperature rises by 15.0 K. Calculate the specific heat capacity, assuming no energy losses. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
E = Pt = 50 × 300 = 1.5 × 10^4 J; c = E/(mΔθ) = 1.5 × 10^4/(1.0 × 15.0) = 1000 J kg^-1 K^-1.
2. Calculate the energy needed to turn 0.20 kg of ice at 0 °C into water at 20 °C. Specific latent heat of fusion = 3.34 × 10^5 J kg^-1; specific heat capacity of water = 4200 J kg^-1 K^-1. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Melting: 0.20 × 3.34 × 10^5 = 6.68 × 10^4 J; heating: 0.20 × 4200 × 20 = 1.68 × 10^4 J; total = 8.4 × 10^4 J.
3. Explain why the temperature of a liquid stays constant while it boils. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Energy supplied is used to break intermolecular bonds, increasing the potential energy of the molecules; mean kinetic energy of molecules does not change so the temperature is constant.
Temperature FAQs
What does Cambridge AS & A Level Physics Temperature cover?
It covers thermal equilibrium, the thermodynamic temperature scale and absolute zero, temperature measurement, specific heat capacity and specific latent heat.
Which paper is Temperature examined in?
It is an A Level topic assessed in Paper 4, and heating experiments are a common context for Paper 5 planning questions.
How can I improve a specific heat capacity experiment?
Insulate the block or liquid, use a joulemeter or measure V, I and t accurately, stir liquids, and use a graph of temperature against energy to reduce the effect of random errors.
