Exercise 1 — IGCSE 0654 Oct/Nov 2023 Paper 12 Q33
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Correct answer: A
Cambridge IGCSE·Co-ordinated Sciences 0654·Physics
Thermal Expansion
Key knowledge — Thermal Physics
Formulas & equations
Thermal energy = mass × specific heat capacity × temperature change (Q = mcΔT)Pressure × Volume = constant (Boyle's law, constant temperature)P/T = constant (pressure law, constant volume)V/T = constant (Charles' law, constant pressure)Combined gas law: PV/T = constant
Key facts & rules
- Conduction: energy transfer through a solid via vibrating particles/free electrons — metals are best conductors.
- Convection: energy transfer in fluids — heated fluid rises (less dense), cool fluid sinks.
- Radiation: energy transfer by infrared waves — no medium needed; black/dull surfaces best emitters and absorbers.
- Specific heat capacity (SHC): energy needed to raise 1 kg of a substance by 1 K (or 1°C).
- Latent heat: energy needed to change state WITHOUT temperature change.
- Temperature in Kelvin: T(K) = T(°C) + 273.
- Gas laws: temperature must be in KELVIN.
- Thermal expansion: most substances expand when heated; used in thermostats, bimetal strips.
IGCSE Physics — Thermal expansion
1 Cambridge IGCSE 0654 questions on thermal expansion, across all three components.
About thermal expansion on IGCSE 0654
Every Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences 0654 question on thermal expansion (Thermal physics, Physics), across all three exam components. Theory and alternative-to-practical come with full mark schemes; multiple choice is interactive — click an option to check it.
Multiple choice
Thermal expansion — Core multiple choice questions1 total · Paper 1