Skip to main content
O-LevelPhysicsThermal Physics5054/11 · May/June 2013 · Q131 Mark

A glass beaker contains water. When the centre of the base of the beaker is heated, a convection current is set up. Which statement explains this?

Diagram for this question, from the exam paper

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

AThe evaporation of water causes water molecules to rise to the surface.
BThe expansion of water molecules causes them to rise to the surface.
CThe water above the heat source rises because it becomes less dense.
DThe water at the sides sinks because it becomes less dense.

✓ Correct answer

C: The water above the heat source rises because it becomes less dense.

Practise more questions on this topic

Oracle Prep sorts past-paper questions by topic, so you can drill Thermal Physics and see which topics are most likely to come up next.

Sign up free →

About this question

Topic
Thermal Physics, O-Level Physics (syllabus 5054). Multiple choice, 1 mark.
Source
O-Level Physics, May/June 2013 Paper 1 Variant 1, question 13.

Questions and mark schemes are from past examination papers and remain the copyright of the exam board. How Oracle Prep builds its content

Related Physics questions

© 2026 Oracle Prep