Kinetic particle model of matter: past paper questions
Real questions on kinetic particle model of matter
The newest 20 of 36 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 5054/42 · October/November 2025 · Q4[6]
A student investigates the rate of cooling of hot water in a beaker. Plan an experiment to investigate the relationship between the thickness of the cardboard insulation wrapped around the beaker and the rate of cooling of the hot water in the beaker. The apparatus available includes: • • • • a supply of hot water a be...
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2024 · Q4b(i)[3]
Explain, in terms of particles, why the pressure of the air in the syringe decreases.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2024 · Q4b(ii)[2]
Calculate the pressure of the air inside the syringe when the volume of the air is 1.5 × 10 –4 m 3 . pressure = Pa
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2024 · Q2a(iv)[3]
The water in the pool is initially at a temperature of 10 °C. The temperature rises when 5.1 × 10 8 J of energy is transferred to the water. The specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J / (kg °C). Calculate the final temperature of the water. temperature = °C
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2024 · Q2b(i)[2]
Explain, in terms of the movement of particles, how evaporation causes cooling.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2024 · Q2b(ii)[1]
Changes to factors in the environment of the swimming pool can cause an increase or decrease in the amount of evaporation from the surface of the water. State two changes to environmental factors that increase the amount of evaporation from the surface of the water.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2024 · Q5a(i)[2]
On Fig. 5.1, complete the labels on the diagram.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2024 · Q5a(ii)[2]
Explain why the balloon stays negatively charged for a long time.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2023 · Q1a(i)[3]
Explain, in terms of particles, why the air in the rocket exerts a pressure on the walls of the rocket.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2023 · Q1a(ii)[1]
The temperature of the air in the rocket remains constant as air is pumped into the rocket. Explain why increasing the number of air particles in the rocket increases the pressure of the air in the rocket.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2023 · Q3a[2]
Explain, by referring to particles, why a liquid expands when heated.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2023 · Q5a(i)[2]
Explain, in terms of the movement of particles, why this decrease in temperature occurs.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2023 · Q5a(ii)[1]
Explain why energy is needed when the water evaporates.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2023 · Q1d(i)[1]
State what is meant by a ‘convection current’.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2023 · Q1d(ii)[1]
Suggest how the convection current that supports the glider is formed.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2023 · Q11d[2]
Describe the relationship between the distance from the Sun and the average surface temperature of a planet. In your description, include any anomalies.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2023 · Q3c[2]
The pressure of a different sample of gas changes at constant temperature. Fig. 3.3 shows one point, marked X, on a graph of pressure against volume for the gas sample. At X the pressure of the gas is P 0 and its volume is V 0 . 2P 0 pressure P 0 X ½P 0 0 0 ½V 0 V 0 volume 2V 0 Fig. 3.3 On Fig. 3.3, sketch the graph as...
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2022 · Q8d[4]
The temperature of the gas inside the sealed container increases. Using ideas about molecules explain why the water levels change.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2021 · Q9a(i)[2]
In the middle box of Fig. 9.1, sketch a diagram to show the molecular structure of a liquid.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2021 · Q9a(ii)[2]
Explain why it is easier to compress a gas than to compress a solid.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Most candidates knew that the pressure of the air on the inside walls of the rocket was due to moving particles of air colliding with the walls. Only a few candidates continued and explained that it was the force of these collisions on the area of the rocket walls that created the pressure.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5054/21 Q1(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Only stronger candidates were able to explain why increasing the number of air particles inside the rocket would increase the pressure of the air inside the rocket. Most candidates realised that there would be more collisions between the air particles and the rocket wall. Few went further to attribute the increase of pressure to an increase in the rate of collision of the air particles with the wa...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5054/21 Q1(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
Most candidates stated that as a liquid expanded, the particles moved further apart. Few candidates continued by explaining that to move apart, the particles needed to overcome the forces of attraction/weaken the bonds between them.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5054/21 Q3(a) (Cambridge)
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