Conduction: past paper questions
Real questions on conduction
The newest 20 of 47 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0625/33 · May/June 2026 · Q5a(iii)[1]
State the name of the process of thermal energy transfer through the copper.
See it on the paper → - 0625/61 · May/June 2026 · Q4[1]
A student investigates the time taken to boil water when heated in containers made from different metals. The containers are heated on an electric hotplate, as shown in Figure 4.1. Plan an experiment to compare how quickly water reaches boiling point in the different containers. • • containers labelled A, B, C, D and E...
See it on the paper → - 0625/41 · October/November 2025 · Q4b[5]
The immersion heater is removed from the beaker. One metal rod and one plastic rod are placed in the beaker of hot water as shown in Fig. 4.1. The rods are at room temperature (20 °C) before they are placed into the beaker. metal rod point X is 2 cm from the end of the rod plastic rod X X hot water beaker Fig. 4.1 Desc...
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · October/November 2025 · Q4c[2]
Fig. 4.3 shows a saucepan of boiling water on the heating ring of an electric cooker. boiling water plastic handle metal pan heating ring Fig. 4.3 The handle is made from plastic. Explain why this material is suitable.
See it on the paper → - 0625/31 · May/June 2025 · Q5b[4]
A teacher has some equipment for comparing thermal conductivity. The teacher has four metal rods and one glass rod. The metals are brass, copper, iron and steel. All five rods are the same size and shape. Describe how the teacher may use the rods to compare the thermal conductivity of the five materials. You may draw a...
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · May/June 2025 · Q4a[3]
Explain how thermal energy is conducted through the copper base.
See it on the paper → - 0625/61 · May/June 2025 · Q2e[2]
Suggest two ways to minimise the loss of thermal energy from the beaker during the experiment.
See it on the paper → - 0625/62 · May/June 2025 · Q4[1]
Hot water is poured into a glass beaker and allowed to cool down for 5 minutes. Plan an experiment to investigate whether the rate of cooling of the hot water depends upon the initial temperature of the hot water. The rate of cooling of the water can be calculated using the equation: rate of cooling = decrease in tempe...
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · February/March 2025 · Q6b[1]
State how thermal energy moves through the metal container from the heater to the water.
See it on the paper → - 0625/12 · October/November 2024 · Q13[1]
What happens to the pressure and the volume of the trapped air?
See it on the paper → - 0625/12 · October/November 2024 · Q16[1]
Which types of thermal transfer are reduced by the vacuum?
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · October/November 2024 · Q5b(i)[1]
State the name of the process for thermal energy transfer through the metal rods.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · October/November 2024 · Q5b(ii)[2]
The rods are made from different metals. The rods have the same length and diameter. The ends of the rods in the Bunsen flame are at the same temperature. State how the demonstration shows which metal transfers thermal energy at the greatest rate.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2024 · Q5b(i)[1]
State the name of the process that transfers thermal energy through the walls of the metal container.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2024 · Q5b(ii)[1]
Suggest one way of keeping the water hot after the heater is switched off.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · May/June 2024 · Q4b(ii)[2]
The container is made of steel and there is a vacuum between the inner and outer walls. The outer wall of the container is at room temperature. State two methods of thermal energy transfer that a vacuum prevents. ,
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · May/June 2024 · Q5a[3]
Explain how electrons transfer thermal energy through the metal of the container.
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · May/June 2024 · Q5b[1]
The outer surface of the non-metal container is much cooler than the outer surface of the metal container. Explain why a non-metal conducts thermal energy less well than a metal.
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · May/June 2024 · Q5c[2]
Explain, in terms of particles, why gases are poor thermal conductors compared to non-metal solids.
See it on the paper → - 0625/62 · February/March 2024 · Q4[1]
A student investigates the effect of insulation on the cooling of a liquid. Plan an experiment which will enable her to investigate how changing the thickness of insulation surrounding a beaker affects the rate of cooling of hot water in the beaker. The apparatus available includes: • • • • a glass beaker a supply of h...
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Many candidates gained credit for using their knowledge and understanding of thermal conductivity experiments to describe methods that were practical and to state how the order of thermal conductivity would be established. However, some candidates tried to list the materials in order of thermal conductivity.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0625/31 Q5(b) (Cambridge)
Many candidates identified free electrons as important in the process of thermal energy transfer in metals. Stronger candidates were able to explain the role of free electrons in conduction and lattice vibrations. Some candidates described energy transfer from the pan to the water rather than through the copper base.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0625/43 Q4(a) (Cambridge)
Candidates were expected to suggest using insulation around the beaker and placing a lid on top. Alternative suggestions, e.g. shielding from draughts, were also accepted.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0625/61 Q2(e) (Cambridge)
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