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A-LevelPhysicsThermodynamicsMay/June 2021Paper 5 Q115 Marks

A student investigates the heating of a solid metal cylinder. Fig. 1.1 shows the cylinder of cross-sectional area A and height h. h A cylinder Fig. 1.1 The student places the cylinder and an electrical heater in a beaker of water. The electrical heater is switched on and the student measures the time t for the temperature of the water to increase by Δθ. A number of cylinders of the same material but with different cross-sectional areas are available. It is suggested that the relationship between t and A is Pt = AhWΔθ + ZΔθ where P is the power of the heater and W and Z are constants. Design a laboratory experiment to test the relationship between t and A. Explain how your results could be used to determine values for W and Z. You should draw a diagram, on page 3, showing the arrangement of your equipment. In your account you should pay particular attention to: • the procedure to be followed • the measurements to be taken • the control of variables • the analysis of the data • any safety precautions to be taken.

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About This A-Level Physics Question

This structured question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Physics (9702) May/June 2021 examination, Paper 5 Variant 2. It tests the topic of Thermodynamics and is worth 15 marks.

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