A student investigated the insulating properties of different materials - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 4
A student investigated the insulating properties of different materials.
Figure 4 shows some of the equipment used by the student.
This is the method used:
1. W... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A student investigated the insulating properties of different materials - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
What is the resolution of thermometer B?
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Answer
The resolution of thermometer B can be determined by analyzing the smallest division shown on the scale. Given that thermometer B shows a reading of 87.4 °C with no subdivisions visible, the resolution is 0.1 °C.
Step 2
Calculate the mass of water in the can.
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Answer
To find the mass of water, we use the formula relating energy, mass, and specific heat capacity:
E=mcriangleT
Where:
E=10,500J (converted from kJ)
c=4200J/kg⋅°C (specific heat capacity)
riangleT=85.0°C−65.0°C=20.0°C
Rearranging the formula gives:
m=c⋅riangleTE=4200⋅2010,500=0.125kg
Step 3
Explain how the results in Table 2 can be used to compare the thermal conductivity of the two materials.
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Answer
The results in Table 2 indicate the time taken for each material to allow the temperature to decrease by 20 °C. Material X takes 450 seconds, while material Y takes 745 seconds. This suggests that material X is more effective as an insulator because it allows the water to maintain its temperature longer. The longer time taken for material Y indicates its lower conductivity, meaning it loses heat at a slower rate, demonstrating that higher thermal conductivity results in a shorter time for temperature decrease.
