O-LevelPhysicsThermal Physics5054/21 · May/June 2016 · Q44 Marks

Equal volumes of air, copper and water are heated from 20°C to 80°C. They expand by different amounts. (a) Draw a line from each box on the left-hand side to show which expands the most and which expands the least. [Figure with boxes]

(a)Draw a line from each box on the left-hand side to show which expands the most and which expands the least.[1]
(b)(i)1With reference to this thermometer, describe what is meant by 1. range,[1]
(b)(i)22. low sensitivity.[1]
(b)(ii)State one change in the design of a thermometer that increases its sensitivity.[1]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2016). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[B1] greatest air; least copper
[B1] difference between smallest and largest temperature or from 0 to 100°C
[B1] small/moderate distance between (thermometer) marks or for a given temperature change there is a small expansion of liquid/distance (along scale)/change in thermometric property or cannot measure small temperature difference/change
[B1] use liquid that expands more • smaller bore/thinner tube • more mercury (in bulb) or use larger bulb

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