0653.P2.1.05 — Describe the pressure of a gas in terms of the forces exerted by particles colliding with surfaces, creating a force per unit area: past paper questions

Real questions on 0653.p2.1.05 — describe the pressure of a gas in terms of the forces exerted by particles colliding with surfaces, creating a force per unit area

The newest 6 of 6 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

1. 0653/43 · October/November 2025 · Q9a(iii)[3]

   Explain why the air in the room exerts a greater pressure on the walls when the temperature of the air increases. Use ideas about particles in your answer.

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2. 0653/42 · February/March 2022 · Q6c(i)[2]

   Explain why the volume of the liquid increases as the temperature increases. Use ideas about the distances between molecules and the motion of molecules in your answer.

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3. 0653/32 · February/March 2021 · Q6b(i)[1]

   Predict how the water levels in the U-tube look when the temperature has increased. Draw your prediction on Fig. 6.2. U-tube

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4. 0653/33 · May/June 2019 · Q6b[2]

   Fig. 6.1 shows a cylinder of compressed air (air at high pressure) used by scuba divers in the sea. compressed air Fig. 6.1 The air at high pressure in the cylinder is at the same temperature as the air in the room. Describe how the arrangement and movement of the gas molecules in the cylinder compares with the arrange...

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5. 0653/43 · May/June 2019 · Q6a(i)[2]

   Describe how the forces and distances between the molecules in the air change as the air leaves the cylinder. forces distances

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6. 0653/32 · February/March 2019 · Q6d[2]

   When the heater is switched off and the temperature drops, a small gap slowly appears between the edge of the wooden floor and the walls of the bathroom. Predict what will happen when the heater is switched on again. Explain your answer. prediction explanation

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What examiners said

Some very good answers were given by many candidates and full credit was often awarded. Candidates used the guidance in the question and many described the increase in separation between molecules with increasing temperature. Candidates needed to specify that increased temperature increases the kinetic energy or the speed of the molecules. Candidates should avoid stating that the ‘motion of the mo...

— Examiner report, February/March 2022, 0653/42 Q6(c)(i) (Cambridge)

Many answers showed the U-tube with a lower water level on the left and these gained full credit. Incorrect responses had a higher level of water on the left, or the level of water in both arms of the U-tube at the same height. The expansion of gas from the flask forces the level of water in the lefthand tube to go downwards.

— Examiner report, February/March 2021, 0653/32 Q6(b)(i) (Cambridge)

Most candidates correctly stated that the molecules would be closer together in the cylinder at high pressure. Fewer wrote that the speed of the gas molecules would be the same in the cylinder and in the room, because they are both at the same temperature.

— Examiner report, May/June 2019, 0653/33 Q6(b) (Cambridge)