Thermal physics: past paper questions
Real questions on thermal physics
The newest 20 of 95 written questions, plus 20 multiple-choice. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 5129/31 · October/November 2025 · Q1a[1]
Complete Table 1.1 by using the student’s results from Fig. 1.2 and calculating the change in temperature of the water for each food. Record your calculated values to a suitable number of significant figures. Table 1.1 food final temperature of water / °C change in temperature of water / °C biscuit popcorn nut (ii) Sta...
See it on the paper → - 5129/31 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(i)[1]
Complete Table 1.1 by using the student’s results from Fig. 1.2 and calculating the change in temperature of the water for each food. Record your calculated values to a suitable number of significant figures. Table 1.1 food final temperature of water / °C change in temperature of water / °C biscuit popcorn nut starting...
See it on the paper → - 5129/31 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(i)[1]
Explain why the temperature changes determined by the student are much lower than the true values.
See it on the paper → - 5129/31 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(ii)[1]
Suggest one improvement to the procedure, other than repeating it, that will ensure that the student obtains temperature changes closer to the true values.
See it on the paper → - 5129/22 · May/June 2025 · Q6a[1]
Calculate the weight of the Rover on Earth. Gravitational field strength g = 10 N / kg. weight = N
See it on the paper → - 5129/22 · May/June 2025 · Q6b(i)[1]
The weight of the Rover on Mars is 3326 N. Calculate the gravitational field strength on Mars. gravitational field strength on Mars = N / kg
See it on the paper → - 5129/22 · May/June 2025 · Q6b(ii)[1]
Define gravitational field strength.
See it on the paper → - 5129/22 · May/June 2025 · Q9a[1]
State why the drill bit gets hot when it makes the hole in the wood.
See it on the paper → - 5129/22 · May/June 2025 · Q9b(ii)[1]
State the name of the energy store that increases as the hole is made.
See it on the paper → - 5129/31 · May/June 2025 · Q2b(ii)[1]
Explain why ice is needed in the beaker in Fig. 2.1.
See it on the paper → - 5129/21 · October/November 2024 · Q1a[1]
Determine the height of the rocket at time t = 5.0 s. height of the rocket = m
See it on the paper → - 5129/21 · October/November 2024 · Q1b[1]
The rocket reaches a height of 50 m at time t = 10.0 s. Describe the motion of the rocket at t = 10.0 s.
See it on the paper → - 5129/21 · October/November 2024 · Q1c[2]
Show your working. average speed = m / s (c) Calculate the average speed of the rocket between t = 5.0 s and t = 10.0 s.
See it on the paper → - 5129/21 · October/November 2024 · Q1d[1]
Explain how the graph shows that the rocket is accelerating between t = 11.0 s and t = 15.0 s.
See it on the paper → - 5129/21 · October/November 2024 · Q4a[3]
The glass block in Fig. 4.1 has a mass of 4.8 g. glass block 1 mm 25 mm 75 mm Fig. 4.1 (not to scale) Calculate the density of the glass block in g / mm 3 . density = g / mm 3
See it on the paper → - 5129/21 · October/November 2024 · Q4b(i)[1]
State the name of angle A.
See it on the paper → - 5129/21 · October/November 2024 · Q4b(ii)[1]
The side of the block at point B is a mirror. The ray of light reflects at point B. On Fig. 4.2, draw the reflected ray.
See it on the paper → - 5129/22 · October/November 2024 · Q8a[3]
Fig. 8.1 shows a flask containing air. When the flask is warmed, air bubbles come out of the delivery tube and enter the water in the beaker. heat flask air delivery tube bung beaker air bubbles water Explain, using ideas about the motion, distances and forces between particles, why the air in the flask enters the wate...
See it on the paper → - 5129/22 · October/November 2024 · Q8b[3]
Fig. 8.2 shows a hot air balloon. hot air balloon flame Fig. 8.2 A pilot uses a flame to heat the air inside the balloon, and the balloon rises. Suggest why the pilot must heat the air regularly to keep the balloon at the same height.
See it on the paper → - 5129/31 · October/November 2024 · Q2a(i)[1]
To measure the mass of the ethanol, the student measures the mass of the empty spirit burner and then the mass of the spirit burner containing ethanol. Fig. 2.2 shows the empty spirit burner and a spirit burner containing some ethanol on a balance. ethanol 53.5 g 54.6 g empty burner burner with ethanol Fig. 2.2 Read an...
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What examiners said
Most candidates correctly stated that the temperature of the block will not change or will fall slowly due to the thermal insulation. However, many candidates did not explain why. Candidates should recall that an insulator is a poor conductor.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5129/21 Q7(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
Most candidates could describe the motion of gas particles in air.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5129/21 Q12(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Candidates should recall that clean, dry air has between 20% and 21% oxygen.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5129/21 Q12(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
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