O-LevelPhysicsThermal Physics5054/12 · May/June 2025 · Q131 Mark

The diagram shows a cylinder containing air. The piston is free to move inside the cylinder and atmospheric pressure acts outside the cylinder. [Figure 13.1 - Diagram of cylinder with piston] As the air inside the cylinder is heated, the piston moves to the right. Which quantity decreases?

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Athe average force exerted on the piston each time that one air particle hits the piston

Bthe average speed of the air particles

Cthe mass of air inside the cylinder

Dthe number of collisions made by air particles with the piston in one second

✓ Correct answer

D: the number of collisions made by air particles with the piston in one second

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Topic: Thermal Physics, O-Level Physics (syllabus 5054). Multiple choice, 1 mark.
Source: O-Level Physics, May/June 2025 Paper 1 Variant 2, question 13.

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