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O-LevelPhysicsThermal Physics5054/21 · May/June 2021 · Q25 Marks

Fig. 2.1 shows a hollow metal cube filled with boiling water. The temperature of the four vertical surfaces are equal but each surface has a different colour or texture. A thermal radiation sensor is placed the same distance from each surface and the meter reading measures the thermal radiation emitted from each surface. [Figure 2.1]

  1. (a)The results are shown in Fig. 2.2. Draw a line linking each type of surface with the appropriate meter reading. One line has been drawn for you. type of surface meter reading dull black 40 dull white 60 shiny black 80 shiny white 100 [Figure 2.2][2]
  2. (b)The hot surfaces produce a convection current in the air outside the metal cube. Describe how the convection current is produced.[3]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [B1] dull black line 100
  2. [B1] dull white 60 and shiny white 40
  3. [B1] hot air rises
  4. [B1] density of hot air less (than cold air) or air expands on heating
  5. [B1] hot air rises and cold air falls or a complete current described

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About this question

Topic
Thermal Physics, O-Level Physics (syllabus 5054). Structured question, 5 marks.
Source
O-Level Physics, May/June 2021 Paper 2 Variant 1, question 2.

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