Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases: past paper questions
Real questions on thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases
The newest 20 of 32 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0625/31 · May/June 2026 · Q8c[3]
The teacher moves the circuit from a warm room to a cold room. Explain how the change in temperature affects the brightness of the lamp. Turn over
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · February/March 2026 · Q4c[3]
A student inflates two identical balloons with the same mass of air so they are the same volume. The student places one of the balloons in a freezer and the other in a warm room. After two hours, the balloons still contain the same mass of air but the cold balloon is smaller, as shown in Figure 4.2. warm balloon cold b...
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · October/November 2025 · Q4a(i)[3]
The pressure of the gas increases from 1.0 × 10 5 Pa to 1.4 × 10 5 Pa. The temperature of the gas remains constant. volume = cm 3 Calculate the volume of the gas when the piston is in its new position.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · October/November 2025 · Q4a(ii)[2]
The area of the piston in contact with the gas is 1.9 × 10 –3 m 2 . Calculate the force exerted on the piston by the gas when the piston is held in its new position. force =
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · October/November 2025 · Q4a(iii)[2]
The distance moved by the piston is 0.036 m. The average force exerted by the piston as it moves is 220 N. Calculate the mechanical work done by the piston. State the equation you use. work done =
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · October/November 2025 · Q4b[1]
Explain, in terms of particles, why gases can be compressed but liquids cannot.
See it on the paper → - 0625/11 · May/June 2023 · Q14[1]
Which row gives the relative separation of the particles?
See it on the paper → - 0625/63 · October/November 2022 · Q4[1]
A student investigates the effect of temperature on the bounce height of a squash ball. A squash ball is a hollow rubber ball approximately 4 cm in diameter. Plan an experiment to investigate how the bounce height of the ball changes as the temperature of the ball rises. The apparatus available includes: a selection of...
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2022 · Q4a[2]
State and explain one application of thermal expansion. You may draw a diagram to support your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2022 · Q4b(i)[1]
State the change in the pressure of the air in the flask as the air cools.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2022 · Q4b(ii)[3]
Explain your answer to (b)(i). Use your ideas about air molecules.
See it on the paper → - 0625/12 · May/June 2021 · Q3[2]
What will happen and why?
See it on the paper → - 0625/12 · May/June 2021 · Q14[1]
Which statement explains this observation?
See it on the paper → - 0625/12 · May/June 2021 · Q16[1]
What happens to the length of the plate and to the diameter of the hole when the plate is cooled?
See it on the paper → - 0625/12 · May/June 2021 · Q18[1]
What is a consequence of this?
See it on the paper → - 0625/12 · May/June 2021 · Q27[2]
What are rod 1 and rod 2 made from?
See it on the paper → - 0625/12 · May/June 2021 · Q28[2]
Which row correctly identifies the materials from which the nails are made?
See it on the paper → - 0625/12 · May/June 2021 · Q29[1]
What has happened to the rod?
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · February/March 2021 · Q5b[3]
In an experiment, the metal block is heated and the temperature of the metal block increases by 100 °C. State the effect, if any, of the temperature increase on: 1. the volume of the metal block 2. the mass of the metal block 3. the density of the metal block
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · February/March 2021 · Q4b(i)[3]
Complete the equation for the final pressure p 2 of the gas when the gas is compressed at constant temperature. p =
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates were able to give comprehensive descriptions about the kinetic particle theory of matter and its predictions about the motion of gas particles affects the pressure a gas when there is a change in temperature. Limited responses • Some candidates recognised that the speed of the gas molecules decreased when the temperature was decreased; this was not linked...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0625/32 Q4(c) (Cambridge)
The majority of candidates correctly identified the relative separation of the particles in gases, liquids and solids. Most incorrect answers were option B, highlighting the misconception that particles are far apart in liquids.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 0625/11 Q14 (Cambridge)
It is essential that candidates use the bullet points as guidance when producing their plan. Those candidates that did usually produced more complete responses. Many candidates identified temperature as the independent variable but did not include a thermometer in their additional apparatus. Most candidates successfully described the method of heating the water in a beaker of water, then droppin...
— Examiner report, October/November 2022, 0625/63 Q4 (Cambridge)
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