0654.P2.3.03 — Describe convection in liquids and gases 3 Explain convection in liquid and gases in terms of density changes: past paper questions
Real questions on 0654.p2.3.03 — describe convection in liquids and gases 3 explain convection in liquid and gases in terms of density changes
The newest 5 of 5 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0973/41 · May/June 2025 · Q11b[3]
Fig. 11.1 shows a beaker of water on a tripod and gauze. The beaker of water is being heated. beaker tripod heat Fig. 11.1 Water at the bottom of the beaker is heated by conduction through the glass beaker. Explain the process of convection which causes all the water in the beaker to increase in temperature.
See it on the paper → - 0973/42 · May/June 2025 · Q12b(ii)[2]
Energy is released in the core of the Sun. Explain how thermal energy travels, by convection, through the outer gas layers of the surface of the Sun.
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · May/June 2023 · Q6c[2]
Thermal energy is transferred through the water in the boiler by convection. Describe the process of convection in terms of density changes.
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · May/June 2021 · Q6b(i)[1]
by the nitrogen gas to the glass bulb
See it on the paper → - 0973/42 · May/June 2021 · Q6b(ii)[2]
State which line in Fig. 6.2, P or Q, is for the can painted black. Explain your answer in terms of energy transfer by radiation. line explanation
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Many responses did not describe convection as the bulk movement of a fluid, instead focusing on single molecules of water. A commonly seen misconception was that heat transfers in liquid by conduction. The best answers linked changes of density to movement within the beaker.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0973/41 Q11(b) (Cambridge)
Candidates found this demanding and often stated that particles themselves changed in density. There were also many references to air rather than gas.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0973/42 Q12(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
The strongest candidates were able to describe how heating water lowers it density, so the warm water rises. Some responses were confused and talked about thermal energy being convected or had the idea that hot water was denser. A few candidates answered in terms of air or gas, rather than water.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 0973/41 Q6(c) (Cambridge)
Past papers, syllabus and examiner reports © UCLES (Cambridge University Press & Assessment). Questions are matched to topics from the official syllabus. AssessPro is independent and not endorsed by Cambridge.