Thermal properties and temperature — Paper 1 · IGCSE Physics (9-1) 0972

15 On a warm day, a carton of fresh milk is covered with a wet cloth. Why does this help to reduce the temperature of the milk? A Some water evaporates from the cloth so the remaining water becomes cooler. B The water has a very high thermal capacity. C The water insulates the milk from the warm air around it. D Water is always colder than the air around it.

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Answer: A

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2018

17 A wooden wheel can be strengthened by putting a tight circle of iron around it. wooden wheel iron circle Which action would make it easier to fit the circle over the wood? A cooling the iron circle B heating the iron circle C heating the wooden wheel and cooling the iron circle D heating the wooden wheel but not heating or cooling the iron circle

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2018

18 A student wishes to calibrate a mercury-in-glass thermometer with a °C scale. Which values should she use for the lower fixed point and for the upper fixed point? lower fixed point upper fixed point A melting point of ice boiling point of mercury B melting point of ice boiling point of water C melting point of mercury boiling point of mercury D melting point of mercury boiling point of water

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2018

19 Which row gives the correct name for each change of state shown? change of state gas to liquid liquid to solid solid to liquid A condensation melting solidification B condensation solidification melting C evaporation melting solidification D evaporation solidification melting

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Answer: B

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2018

15 When a liquid evaporates, some molecules escape. The temperature of the remaining liquid changes. What is the effect on the temperature and from where do the molecules escape? temperature of liquid molecules escape from A decreases everywhere within the liquid B decreases the surface only C increases everywhere within the liquid D increases the surface only

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Answer: B

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2019

16 What happens when a metal block is heated? A Its width, height and length all increase. B Its width increases only. C Its height increases only. D Its length increases only.

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Answer: A

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2019

17 A night storage heater contains a large block of material that is heated electrically during the night. During the day the block cools down, releasing thermal energy into the room. Which thermal capacity and which night-time temperature increase will cause the most energy to be stored by the block? thermal capacity night-time of block temperature increase A large large B large small C small large D small small

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Answer: A

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2019

18 The diagram shows the changes of state P, Q, R and S that occur in solids, liquids and gases when they gain or lose thermal energy. gain thermal energy P Q solid liquid gas S R lose thermal energy What is the name of change R? A condensation B solidification C boiling D melting

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Answer: A

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2019

14 A test-tube contains 1.0 cm3 of liquid water at 100 °C. The liquid water boils to form 1600 cm3 of steam. What is the reason for the large increase in volume? A Steam molecules are bigger than water molecules. B The average distance between the molecules is much greater in the steam. C The molecules do not move until the water turns into a gas. D There are more steam molecules than there were water molecules.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0972/11 Oct/Nov 2019

15 Which statement about the evaporation of a liquid is correct? A The least energetic molecules escape from the surface and the temperature of the liquid decreases. B The least energetic molecules escape from the surface and the temperature of the liquid increases. C The most energetic molecules escape from the surface and the temperature of the liquid decreases. D The most energetic molecules escape from the surface and the temperature of the liquid increases.

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0972/11 Oct/Nov 2019

16 Which effect is caused by thermal expansion? A a metal surface heating up in direct sunlight B ice-cream melting on a hot day C a railway track buckling on a hot day D ice forming on a pond on a cold day

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Answer: C

This question in 0972/11 Oct/Nov 2019

17 A liquid-in-glass thermometer uses a change in a property of a liquid to measure temperature. Which property is used? A mass B thermal capacity C volume D weight

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Answer: C

This question in 0972/11 Oct/Nov 2019

18 The diagram shows four labelled changes of state between solid, liquid and gas. P Q solid liquid gas S R Which changes need an energy input? A P and Q B Q and R C R and S D S and P

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Answer: A

This question in 0972/11 Oct/Nov 2019

14 A gas is heated in a sealed container. The volume of the container does not change. What happens to the molecules of the gas? A The average distance between molecules increases. B The average kinetic energy of the molecules increases. C The mass of each molecule increases. D The volume of each molecule increases.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2020

15 A student is investigating evaporation. She soaks a piece of cotton wool in a liquid and attaches this to the bulb of a thermometer. As the liquid evaporates the temperature reading on the thermometer changes. cotton wool soaked in liquid thermometer Which statement is correct? A The more energetic molecules leave the liquid and the temperature reading decreases. B The more energetic molecules leave the liquid and the temperature reading increases. C The less energetic molecules leave the liquid and the temperature reading decreases. D The less energetic molecules leave the liquid and the temperature reading increases.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2020

16 The thermometer in the diagram has no scale. Before this thermometer can be used to measure temperature, two standard temperatures known as fixed points are needed. These are labelled X and Y. X Y bulb Which row describes these fixed points on the Celsius scale? X Y A temperature of pure boiling water normal body temperature B temperature of pure boiling water temperature of pure melting ice C normal body temperature temperature of pure boiling water D temperature of pure melting ice temperature of pure boiling water

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2020

17 When a hot gas is left to cool, its internal energy decreases. What causes this? A a decrease in the kinetic energy of the gas particles B a decrease in the gravitational potential energy of the gas particles C an increase in the average speed of the gas particles D an increase in the average distance of separation of the gas particles

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2020

18 The diagrams show four blocks of steel. The blocks are all drawn to the same scale. The same quantity of thermal energy is given to each block. Which block shows the greatest rise in temperature? A B C D

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2020

14 Evaporation occurs from the surface of a pool of water. Which statement describes this change of state? A Electrons move from the liquid and become a gas. B Molecules that move from the liquid have the same energy as those that stay in the liquid. C The more energetic molecules escape the liquid. D The more energetic molecules remain in the liquid.

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0972/12 May/June 2020

16 The diagram shows a liquid-in-glass thermometer. °C –10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 What is the temperature difference between the two fixed points on the Celsius scale? A 10 °C B 100 °C C 110 °C D 120 °C

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0972/12 May/June 2020

17 A metal block is left overnight in a cool, shady room. In the morning, the metal block is moved into warm surroundings. Which statement about the metal block is correct in the morning? A The internal energy of the metal block increases. B The temperature of the metal block decreases. C Convection transfers energy throughout the metal block. D The metal contracts slightly.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0972/12 May/June 2020

18 The diagrams show four blocks of steel. The blocks are all drawn to the same scale. The same quantity of thermal energy is given to each block. Which block shows the greatest rise in temperature? A B C D

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0972/12 May/June 2020

33 The diagram shows a control circuit. The lamp is lit. The temperature of the surroundings increases. What will happen to the brightness of the lamp? A It will be brighter. B It will be less bright. C It will not change. D It will become brighter and then less bright.

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Answer: A

This question in 0972/12 May/June 2020

15 The diagram shows the more energetic water molecules escaping from the surface of liquid water. key = water molecule water What is this process called? A Brownian motion B condensation C evaporation D conduction

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Answer: C

This question in 0972/11 Oct/Nov 2020

16 When a bridge is built, a gap is left between each concrete slab. Why are these gaps left? A Concrete expands on warm days. B Concrete contracts on warm days. C The gaps expand on warm days. D The gaps contract on cold days.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0972/11 Oct/Nov 2020

17 The table shows the melting and boiling points of four different substances. Which substance becomes a liquid when placed in a beaker of boiling water? melting point / C boiling point / C A 10 90 B 40 150 C 105 230 D 110 320

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0972/11 Oct/Nov 2020

14 A long, thin bar of copper is heated gently and evenly along its length. copper bar heat What happens to the bar? A It becomes less heavy. B It becomes longer. C It becomes shorter. D It bends at the ends.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0972/11 Oct/Nov 2021

15 The diagram shows a flask which has been filled with liquid X at room temperature. level of liquid at room temperature stopper liquid X When the flask is placed in warm water, the liquid rises higher up the tube. When the flask is put in cold water, the liquid drops below the original level in the tube. The experiment is repeated using an identical flask but a different liquid Y. The initial level of the liquid in the tube is the same as that in the original experiment. Liquid Y expands more, per degree increase in temperature, than liquid X. Which row is correct for the level of the liquid? rises most in falls most in warm water cold water A X X B X Y C Y X D Y Y

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Answer: D

This question in 0972/11 Oct/Nov 2021

14 Two thermometers, P and Q, give the same reading at room temperature. The bulb of thermometer Q is wrapped in gauze and dipped in a beaker of water at room temperature. Air at room temperature is blown over the two thermometer bulbs. Which statement correctly describes and explains what happens? A P reads higher than Q because bulb P absorbs energy from the air. B P reads higher than Q because water evaporates from the gauze and cools bulb Q. C P reads lower than Q because the wet gauze insulates bulb Q. D P reads lower than Q because water evaporates from the gauze and warms bulb Q.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2022

15 What happens to the volumes of liquid metal and of solid metal when heated at constant pressure? volume of volume of liquid metal solid metal A decreases increases B decreases no change C increases increases D increases no change

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2022

16 The diagram shows a liquid-in-glass thermometer. °C –10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 A student wishes to check the marking of the upper fixed point on this thermometer. What should she do? A Put the bulb in a beaker of boiling sea water. B Put the bulb in a beaker of boiling pure water. C Put the bulb in a beaker of ice and salt. D Put the bulb in a beaker of pure melting ice.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2022

17 A glass contains an iced drink on a warm and humid day. Water starts to form on the outside of the glass. What is the name of the effect by which the water forms? A condensation B conduction C convection D evaporation

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2022

13 A particular state of matter consists of molecules that move freely in random directions at high speed. The average speed of the molecules is decreasing. Which state of matter is being described? A a gas cooling B a gas being heated C a solid cooling D a liquid being heated

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Answer: A

This question in 0972/12 May/June 2022

15 The diagram shows a liquid-in-glass thermometer. 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Which physical property of the thermometer is used to measure temperature? A expansion of glass B expansion of liquid C mass of glass D mass of liquid

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Answer: B

This question in 0972/12 May/June 2022

16 An engineer investigates the increase in temperature of the oil in a car engine when it is first switched on. Which row is correct? change in explanation internal energy A increase The random kinetic energy of the particles increases. B increase The oil evaporates when it is heated. C decrease The potential energy of the particles increases. D decrease The oil changes state to a gas when it is heated.

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Answer: A

This question in 0972/12 May/June 2022

17 A glass contains an iced drink on a warm and humid day. Water starts to form on the outside of the glass. What is the name of the effect by which the water forms? A condensation B conduction C convection D evaporation

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0972/12 May/June 2022

15 Which statements about evaporation of water are correct? 1 Evaporation causes the remaining liquid to cool. 2 During evaporation, the more energetic particles escape from the surface of the liquid. 3 Evaporation only happens at 100 °C. A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2023

14 Four students describe the phrase ‘absolute zero’ during a lesson on the particle model. Which student is correct? A This is the lowest possible temperature. B Particles in a solid start vibrating. C Particles do not have any weight. D Particles have the least gravitational potential energy.

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Answer: A

This question in 0972/12 May/June 2023

15 At the surface of a liquid, the more energetic molecules can escape from the liquid into the atmosphere. Which name is given to this process? A boiling B condensation C evaporation D melting

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Answer: C

This question in 0972/12 May/June 2023

13 The melting point of mercury is –39 °C. What is the melting point of mercury in kelvin? A –234 K B 61 K C 234 K D 312 K

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Answer: C

This question in 0972/11 Oct/Nov 2023

14 A bimetallic strip is used to control the temperature of an electrical appliance. It is made of two different metals fixed together. The diagram shows the shape of the bimetallic strip before and after heating. metal P metal Q before heating after heating Which statement is correct? A Metal P contracts more than metal Q on heating. B Metal Q contracts more than metal P on heating. C Metal P expands more than metal Q on heating. D Metal Q expands more than metal P on heating.

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0972/11 Oct/Nov 2023

15 A student has two blocks of metal, X and Y. The temperature of X is 50°C and the temperature of Y is 0°C. The two blocks are placed in contact with each other, as shown. Y at 0°C After some time, both blocks have a temperature of 25°C. What has happened to the internal energy of each block? internal energy internal energy of X of Y decreased decreased decreased increased increased decreased unchanged unchanged

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0972/11 Oct/Nov 2023

11 How is a temperature in degrees Celsius (C) converted to a temperature in kelvin (K)? A Add 273 to the temperature in C. B Divide the temperature in C by 273. C Multiply the temperature in C by 273. D Subtract 273 from the temperature in C.

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Answer: A

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2024

12 The diagram shows a frictionless piston inside a cylinder. The air inside the cylinder is heated. The piston moves in the direction shown. piston cylinder movement of piston heat Which statement about the air inside the cylinder is correct? A The temperature and volume increase at constant pressure. B The temperature and pressure increase at constant volume. C The temperature, volume and pressure all increase. D The volume and pressure increase at constant temperature.

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Answer: A

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2024

13 What increases when the temperature of a copper block increases? A the number of copper atoms in the block B the melting point of the block C the internal energy of the block D the density of the block

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Answer: C

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2024

10 Copper has a melting point of 1100 C. What is the melting point in kelvin? A 727 K B 827 K C 1373 K D 1473 K

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Answer: C

This question in 0972/12 May/June 2024

11 A liquid at room temperature fills a flask and a glass tube to level X. X Y liquid The flask is placed in ice and the liquid level in the tube changes to level Y. Why does the level change to level Y? A The flask contracts. B The flask expands. C The liquid contracts. D The liquid expands.

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Answer: C

This question in 0972/12 May/June 2024

12 Which row correctly describes the state of water at the temperatures shown? 250 K 300 K 350 K 400 K A liquid liquid gas gas B solid solid liquid liquid C solid liquid liquid gas D solid liquid gas gas

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Answer: C

This question in 0972/12 May/June 2024

13 A liquid is evaporating. The liquid is not boiling. Which statement about the liquid at an instant in time is correct? A Any molecule can escape and from any part of the liquid. B Any molecule can escape, but only from the liquid’s surface. C Only molecules with enough energy can escape and only from the liquid’s surface. D Only molecules with enough energy can escape, but from any part of the liquid.

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Answer: C

This question in 0972/12 May/June 2024

8 The diagram shows a steel sphere falling through a cylinder of oil. steel sphere oil Which row indicates what happens to the steel sphere and what happens to the oil as the steel sphere falls? the steel sphere the oil becomes becomes warmer warmer A yes yes B yes no C no yes D no no

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Answer: A

This question in 0972/11 Oct/Nov 2024

13 The diagram represents gas particles moving around in a sealed container. The gas particles collide with the walls of the container. The temperature of the gas is increased. What happens to the average speed of the gas particles and what happens to the number of collisions by the gas particles with the walls of the container? average speed the number of collisions with of gas particles the walls of the container A increases less frequent collisions B increases more frequent collisions C stays the same less frequent collisions D stays the same more frequent collisions

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Answer: B

This question in 0972/11 Oct/Nov 2024

14 A metal object is heated strongly in an oven. What happens to the volume of the object and the internal energy stored in the object? volume internal energy A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases

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Answer: D

This question in 0972/11 Oct/Nov 2024

15 Which row describes the process of melting? change in initial state final state temperature A liquid gas yes B liquid solid no C solid gas yes D solid liquid no

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Answer: D

This question in 0972/11 Oct/Nov 2024

28 What is a thermistor? A a container to keep a hot liquid warm B a circuit to control room temperature C a temperature-dependent resistor D a heater for a room

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Answer: C

This question in 0972/11 Oct/Nov 2024

11 Two different pure substances, X and Y, are heated. Both substance X and substance Y are initially in the solid state. The graph shows how the temperature of each substance changes with time. substance X temperature substance Y 0 0 time What does the graph tell us about the substances? A Substance X has a lower boiling point than substance Y. B Substance X has a lower melting point than substance Y. C Substance Y has a lower boiling point than substance X. D Substance Y has a lower melting point than substance X.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2025

15 Evaporation occurs from the surface of a pool of water. Which statement describes this change of state? A Electrons move from the liquid and become a gas. B Molecules that move from the liquid have the same energy as the molecules that stay in the liquid. C The more-energetic molecules escape the liquid. D The more-energetic molecules remain in the liquid.

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0972/11 May/June 2025

10 A scientist heats a solid substance until it turns into a liquid, and then into a gas. Which row describes the two changes of state of the substance as it is heated? change of state 1 change of state 2 A freezing condensing B freezing boiling C melting condensing D melting boiling

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Answer: D

This question in 0972/12 May/June 2025

13 Which quantity does not change when there is an increase in temperature? A the density of a steel block B the diameter of the hole in a metal nut C the length of an iron rod D the mass of a metal coin

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0972/12 May/June 2025