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O-LevelPhysicsThermal PhysicsOct/Nov 2024Paper 1 Q211 Mark

Air at atmospheric pressure and room temperature is trapped in an insulated container by a frictionless piston of negligible weight. The air can be compressed by placing masses on top of the piston. [Figure showing a container with trapped air, a piston, and masses on top]. A mass of 1.0 kg is placed on the piston and the volume of the trapped air decreases from 100 cm³ to 90 cm³. Which statement is correct?

AAdding another 1.0 kg mass decreases the volume of the air by less than 10 cm³.
BAdding an additional 9.0 kg mass reduces the volume of the air to zero.
CThe pressure of the trapped air is less than atmospheric pressure when its volume is 90 cm³.
DThe temperature of the air decreases as the 1.0 kg mass is added.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is A: Adding another 1.0 kg mass decreases the volume of the air by less than 10 cm³.

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This O-Level Physics Question

Topic

This multiple-choice question tests Thermal Physics in O-Level Physics (syllabus code 5054). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge O-Level Physics Oct/Nov 2024 examination, Paper 1 Variant 1.

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