2 Thermal physics

Core
1 Identify the state of matter – solid, liquid or gas – in which the molecules are:

a least densely packed ..............................

b ordered in a regular pattern ..............................

c moving at high speed over large distances ..............................

d moving about over small distances ..............................

e vibrating towards and away from a fixed point. ..............................

2 Identify the state of matter – solid, liquid or gas – which:

a is highly compressible ..............................

b has a definite shape ..............................

c flows easily. ..............................

3 Some smoke particles are allowed to drift into a glass box which contains air. The box is then
sealed and illuminated. The random motion of the smoke particles in the box is viewed through a
microscope.

a Explain the random motion of the smoke particles with reference to the size, number and
motion of air molecules.

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b The box is heated so that the temperature of the air it contains rises. Explain how the rise in
temperature affects the motion of the smoke particles.

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Cambridge IGCSE TM Physics Workbook Third Edition Photocopying prohibited 29

2 THERMAL PHYSICS

4 Use the kinetic particle model to explain how a gas exerts a pressure on the walls of its container;
give two key facts.

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5 The air in a closed container is heated.

a State how the air pressure inside the container changes when the temperature rises.

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b Explain your answer to a in terms of the kinetic particle model. State the effect on the motion
of the molecules, their interaction with the walls and the resulting effect.

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6 The volume of a gas remains constant when it is heated in a closed container.

Circle the statement that is false.

A The pressure of the gas will increase.

B The average kinetic energy of the molecules will decrease.

C The molecules will hit the walls of the container more often.

D The molecules will move in all directions.

7 A fixed mass of gas is heated in a container which maintains the gas at constant pressure.

Circle the statement that is true.

A The volume of the gas will decrease.

B The volume of the gas will increase.

C The number of molecules will decrease.

D The molecules will hit the walls of the container more often.

8 On the Celsius scale of temperature, state the value of:

a the melting temperature of ice ..............................

b the boiling temperature of water at normal pressure. ..............................

30 Photocopying prohibited Cambridge IGCSE TM Physics Workbook Third Edition