Thermal physics — IGCSE Sciences - Co-Ordinated (0973) questions by topic

Thermal physics questions ask which mechanism carries solar energy across empty space to reach the Earth, why a vacuum flask's shiny surfaces keep a drink hot, why a jar's metal lid sticks after refrigeration, and how convection moves air around a heater, from 1 to 11 marks.

Identify, state and describe top the command words in this IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences set, with complete and explain also frequent: describe the mechanism of heat loss, not just name it. 20 real questions from 2023 to 2025 papers sit below. Submitting each answer for instant marking shows immediately whether conduction, convection or radiation was the term the mark scheme wanted.

May–June 2025, Paper 11

Question 31 · 1 mark

Which statement about the transfer of thermal energy is correct? A Thermal energy transfer by radiation involves mainly ultraviolet radiation. B Thermal energy transfer by…

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Question 32 · 1 mark

Which pair consists of one good thermal conductor and one bad thermal conductor? A aluminium and wood B brass and copper C glass and plastic D iron and steel

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May–June 2025, Paper 12

Question 31 · 1 mark

Liquid in a beaker evaporates quickly. Which row shows what happens to the mass and to the temperature of the liquid remaining in the beaker? mass temperature --- --- --- A…

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Question 32 · 1 mark

The diagram shows a type of double glazing in a window. The double glazing consists of two sheets of glass separated by a vacuum. Which methods of energy transfer are prevented by…

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May–June 2025, Paper 21

Question 32 · 1 mark

Some materials use atomic or molecular lattice vibrations and some materials use the movement of delocalised electrons for thermal conduction. Which row shows the correct…

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May–June 2025, Paper 31

Question 12 · 8 marks

A climber climbs to the top of a rock face. At the top, there is snow that is melting in the sunshine. State the melting temperature of water at standard atmospheric pressure.…

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May–June 2024, Paper 11

Question 32 · 1 mark

A glass jar in a warm room has a metal lid that is easy to remove. The jar with the lid on is left in a refrigerator overnight. In the morning, the lid of the jar is difficult to…

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Question 33 · 1 mark

A beaker contains water that is all at 20 C. A convection current is started in the water (flowing in a loop). Four points are labelled W (top left), X (top right), Y (bottom…

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May–June 2024, Paper 12

Question 32 · 1 mark

A copper disc has a hole at its centre that is slightly too small to fit over a copper cylinder. [Diagram: copper disc with central hole and a copper cylinder.] How can the disc…

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May–June 2024, Paper 21

Question 32 · 1 mark

In a room, hot air above a heater rises and is replaced by cool air that falls. What is the name of this process, and how does the density of the hot air compare with the density…

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May–June 2024, Paper 22

Question 32 · 1 mark

Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum is often involved in heat transfer by radiation? A infrared B radio C ultraviolet D X-rays

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May–June 2024, Paper 32

Question 9 · 11 marks

Fig. 9.1 shows water in a steel saucepan being heated on an electric cooker; the water boils and some changes into steam. State the main method of thermal energy transfer through…

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May–June 2023, Paper 12

Question 32 · 1 mark

Two methods of cooking are grilling under a red-hot heater and frying in a shallow metal pan. [Diagrams: method 1 = grilling (radiation through air), method 2 = frying (conduction…

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May–June 2023, Paper 21

Question 31 · 1 mark

Which statement about thermal radiation is correct? A A dull surface is a good absorber and a good reflector of thermal radiation. B A dull surface is a poor absorber and a poor…

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May–June 2023, Paper 22

Question 33 · 1 mark

Two methods of cooking are grilling under a red-hot heater and frying in a shallow metal pan. [Diagrams: method 1 = grilling (radiation through air), method 2 = frying (conduction…

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October–November 2023, Paper 11

Question 32 · 1 mark

Someone wearing wet clothes can feel cold even on a warm day. Why do they feel cold? A Water gives out heat as it evaporates. B Water takes in heat as it evaporates. C Water…

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Question 33 · 1 mark

How is thermal energy transferred from the Sun through the vacuum of space? A by conduction and convection B by convection and radiation C by convection only D by radiation only

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October–November 2023, Paper 21

Question 32 · 1 mark

What is a thermocouple used to measure? A expansion B pressure C resistance D temperature

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Question 33 · 1 mark

A vacuum flask uses a vacuum between two shiny surfaces to keep a drink hot for a long time. [Diagram: vacuum flask with silvered glass walls, vacuum, hot drink.] How do the…

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October–November 2023, Paper 31

Question 9 · 11 marks

Train track is made of lengths of steel rails with small gaps between them (Fig. 9.1). Suggest why gaps are left between the steel rails.

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