O-LevelPhysicsThermal Physics5054/22 · Oct/Nov 2015 · Q47 Marks

A copper saucepan with a wooden handle contains cold water. The saucepan is placed on a red-hot heating element that is a part of an electric cooker. Fig. 4.1 shows the saucepan on the heating element. [Figure 4.1]

(a)Explain why wood is a suitable material for the handle of the saucepan.[1]
(b)(i)Describe and explain, in terms of free electrons, how thermal energy is transferred through the copper base of the saucepan.[3]
(b)(ii)Describe and explain how thermal energy is transferred upwards through the water.[3]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2015). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] wood is a poor/not a conductor or (good) insulator (of heat)
[1] vibrating atoms/ions/particles/molecules or electrons gain energy
[1] atoms/ions/particles/molecules hit free electrons or electrons travel (a long distance through the copper/saucepan)
[1] electrons hit/transfer energy to (distant) atoms/ions/molecules/particles
[1] hot/heated water expands/is less dense
[1] hot/heated water/less dense water rises
[1] (sets up) circulation/convection (current) or cold water sinks

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