NSS Physics in Life Question Bank

(Heat and Gases)

Chapter 3 Change of State

Multiple Choice Questions
(Level 1)

Code: 03L1A001
03L1A001,
3L1A001, Total marks: 1

Which of the following processes is not a change of state?

A. fusion
B. heating
C. condensation
D. evaporation
Answer: B

Code: 03L1A002
03L1A002,
3L1A002, Total marks: 1

Which of the following processes involve change of state?

A. dissolving salt in water
B. formation of clouds
C. heating an iron bar with a Bunsen flame
D. mixing alcohol and water
Answer: B

Code: 03L1A003
03L1A003,
3L1A003, Total marks: 1

Which of the following substances would be a liquid at a temperature of 800 °C?

substance melting point / K boiling point / K
A. aluminium933 2740
B. mercury 234 630
C. potassium 337 1047
D. silver 1235 2485
Answer: A

Code: 03L1A004
03L1A004,
3L1A004, Total marks: 1

The boiling points of four gases are shown below. When they are cooled down from
room temperature, which of them will condense first?
gas boiling point / °C
A. argon −186
B. neon −246
C. nitrogen−196
D. oxygen−183
Answer: D

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 1

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

Code: 03L1A005
03L1A005,
3L1A005, Total marks: 1

A liquid of mass 0.5 kg is heated in a polystyrene cup with a 1000 W heater. The
graph below shows how the temperature of the liquid varies with time.
temperature / °C

115

25
time / min
3 9

What is the boiling point of the liquid?

A. 25 °C
B. 100 °C
C. 115 °C
D. cannot be determined
Answer: C

Code: 03L1A006
03L1A006,
3L1A006, Total marks: 1

A liquid of mass 0.5 kg is heated in a polystyrene cup with a 1000 W heater. The
graph below shows how the temperature of the liquid varies with time.
temperature / °C

115

25
time / min
3 9

What is the latent heat of vaporization of the liquid?

A. 360 000 J
B. 600 000 J
C. 720 000 J

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 2

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

D. cannot be determined
Answer: A

Code: 03L1A007
03L1A007,
3L1A007, Total marks: 1

A liquid of mass 0.5 kg is heated in a polystyrene cup with a 1000 W heater. The
graph below shows how the temperature of the liquid varies with time.
temperature / °C

115

25
time / min
3 9

What is the specific latent heat of vaporization of the liquid?

A. 360 000 J kg−1
B. 400 000 J kg−1
C. 600 000 J kg−1
D. 720 000 J kg−1
Answer: D

Code: 03L1A008
03L1A008,
3L1A008, Total marks: 1

Which of the following graphs correctly shows the cooling curve of octadecan-1-o1
from 80 °C to 45 °C? (The melting point of octadecan-1-o1 is 59 °C.)

A. temperature

time

B. temperature

time

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 3

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

C. temperature

time

D. temperature

time

Answer: C

Code: 03L1A009
03L1A009,
3L1A009, Total marks: 1

The unit of latent heat is

A. J.
B. J °C−1.
C. J kg−1.
D. J kg−1 °C−1.
Answer: A

Code: 03L1A010
03L1A010,
3L1A010, Total marks: 1

The unit of specific latent heat is

A. J.
B. J °C−1.
C. J kg−1.
D. J kg−1 °C−1.
Answer: C

Code: 03L1A011
03L1A011,
3L1A011, Total marks: 1

When ice at 0 °C is mixed with water at 0 °C, which of the following is correct?
A. Energy is transferred from ice to water.
B. Energy is transferred from water to ice.
C. There will be no net heat exchange between ice and water.
D. The temperature of ice and water will become different.
Answer: C

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 4

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

Code: 03L1A012
03L1A012,
3L1A012, Total
Total marks: 1

A pot of soup is heated on a stove. The soup continues to boil for a short time after the
pot is removed from the stove. This is because
(1) the pot has a high heat capacity.
(2) the pot has a high latent heat of vaporization.
(3) the pot is a poor conductor of heat.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Answer: B

Code: 03L1A013
03L1A013,
3L1A013, Total marks: 1

An ice-making machine can remove energy from water at a rate of 600 W. How long
does it take to freeze 0.5 kg of water at 0 °C? (The specific latent heat of fusion of
water is 3.34 × 105 J kg−1.)
A. 278 s
B. 286 s
C. 304 s
D. 557 s
Answer: A

Code: 03L1A014
03L1A014,
3L1A014, Total marks: 1

Copper has a melting point of 1080 °C and a specific latent heat of fusion of
2.1 × 105 J kg−1. Find the energy required to melt 0.5 kg of copper completely.
2.1 × 10 5
A. J
0 .5
B. (
0.5 × 2.1 × 10 5)J
0.5 × (2.1 × 10 )5
C. J
1080
2.1 × 10 5
D. J
0.5 × 1080
Answer: B

Code: 03L1A015
03L1A015,
3L1A015, Total marks: 1

In an experiment, a beaker of liquid X is heated to boil using a 150 W heater. In 200 s,

0.02 kg of liquid X has boiled away. Suppose 20% of the energy has been lost to the
surroundings, what is the specific latent heat of vaporization of liquid X?

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 5

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

A. 3.34 × 105 J kg−1

B. 1.2 × 106 J kg−1
C. 1.5 × 106 J kg−1
D. 2.26 × 106 J kg−1
Answer: B

Code: 03L1A01
03L1A016,
3L1A016, Total marks: 1

A student set up the apparatus as shown to determine the specific latent heat of fusion
of ice. Which of the following is an essential precaution to ensure an accurate result?
immersion
heaters

joulemeter

crushed
ice

experimental connected to
control apparatus power supply
apparatus

A. Crushed ice should be used.

B. The temperature of the ice used should be well below 0 °C.
C. The two funnels should be wrapped with heat-insulating materials.
D. The two beakers should be made of heat-insulating materials.
Answer: A

Code: 03L1A01
03L1A017,
3L1A017, Total marks: 1

A student sets up the apparatus as shown to determine the specific latent heat of
vaporization of water. The kilowatt-hour meter measures the energy supplied to the
heater. The electronic balance measures the mass of water in the beaker.

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 6

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

kilowatt-hour
meter

heater

electronic
balance

The following results are obtained:

Energy supplied to boil the water = 0.013 kW h
Mass of water boiled away = 0.02 kg
Find the value of the specific latent heat of vaporization of water.
A. 2.26 × 106 J kg−1
B. 2.34 × 106 J kg−1
C. 2.42 × 106 J kg−1
D. 2.48 × 106 J kg−1
Answer: B

Code: 03L1A01
03L1A018,
3L1A018, Total marks: 1

Statement 1: Steam at 100 °C can cause a more severe burn than water at 100 °C.
Statement 2: The internal energy of steam at 100 °C is higher than that of water at
100 °C if the steam and water have the same mass.
A. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 2 is a correct explanation for
statement 1.
B. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct but statement 2 is not a correct explanation
for statement 1.
C. Statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.
D. Statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct.
Answer: B

Code: 03L1A01
03L1A019,
3L1A019, Total marks: 1

Statement 1: When equal mass of steam at 100 °C and ice at 0 °C are mixed
together, the temperature of the mixture would be 50 °C

Statement 2: Energy is conserved in the process described in Statement 1.

A. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 2 is a correct explanation for
statement 1.
B. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct but statement 2 is not a correct explanation

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 7

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

for statement 1.
C. Statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.
D. Statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct.
Answer: D

Code: 03L1A0
03L1A020,
3L1A020, Total marks: 1

Which of the following are the differences between boiling and evaporation?
(1) Boiling can only take place at boiling point while evaporation can take place at
any temperature.
(2) Evaporation can only take place on the liquid surface while boiling can take
place on the liquid surface as well as within the liquid.
(3) A liquid absorbs heat from the surroundings during boiling and release heat
during evaporation.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Answer: A

Code: 03L1A0
03L1A021,
3L1A021, Total marks: 1

Under which of the following conditions does a wet shirt dry up faster?
(1) The air temperature increases.
(2) The humidity of air increases.
(3) The surface area of the shirt exposed to air increases.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Answer: B

Code:
Code: 03L1A02
03L1A022,
3L1A022, Total marks: 1

During exercises, an athlete loses heat to the surroundings at a faster rate. This is
because
(1) the body temperature of the athlete increases.
(2) the mass of the athlete increases.
(3) the athlete is cooled by the evaporation of sweat.
A. (3) only
B. (1) and (3) only

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 8

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

C. (2) and (3) only

D. (1), (2) and (3)
Answer: A

Code: 03L1A02
03L1A023,
3L1A023, Total marks: 1

Which of the following phenomena can be explained by evaporation?

(1) Wet clothes eventually dry under the Sun.
(2) We feel cold when we leave a pool of water.
(3) Mist forms on a can of cold drink.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Answer: A

Code: 03L1A02
03L1A024,
3L1A024, Total marks: 1

The rate of evaporation of water depends on

(1) the surface area exposed.
(2) the temperature of the liquid.
(3) the humidity of air.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Answer: D

Code: 03L1A02
03L1A025,
3L1A025, Total marks: 1

We feel hotter when the air humidity is higher. Which of the following statements
is/are possible explanation for the phenomenon?
(1) The rate of evaporation is lower.
(2) The latent heat of vaporization of water is higher in humid weather.
(3) The heat capacity of our body is higher.
A. (1) only
B. (3) only
C. (1) and (2) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Answer: A

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 9

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

Code: 03L1A02
03L1A026
3L1A026, Total marks: 1

Statement 1: A glass of hot water eventually cools down at room temperature.

Statement 2: Latent heat is lost to the surroundings when a glass of water is placed
at room temperature.
A. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 2 is a correct explanation for
statement 1.
B. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct but statement 2 is not a correct explanation
for statement 1.
C. Statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.
D. Statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct.
Answer: C

Code: 03L1A02
03L1A027,
3L1A027, Total marks: 1

Statement 1: We feel cool when we wet our skin with alcohol.

Statement 2: When alcohol evaporates, it absorbs heat from the skin.
A. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 2 is a correct explanation for
statement 1.
B. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct but statement 2 is not a correct explanation
for statement 1.
C. Statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.
D. Statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct.
Answer: A

Code: 03L1A02
03L1A028,
3L1A028, Total marks: 1

Which of the following statements are correct?

(1) Latent heat is the energy absorbed (or released) by a substance when it changes
its state without a change of temperature.
(2) When ice melts into water at 0 °C, the energy gained by the water molecules is
called the latent heat of fusion of water.
(3) When water changes to steam at 100 °C, the energy gained by the water
molecules is called the latent heat of vaporization of water.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Answer: D

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 10

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

Code: 03L1A02
03L1A029,
3L1A029, Total marks: 1

A beaker of ice is heated from 0 °C to steam of 100 °C. Which of the following
statements is not correct?
(1) The molecules absorb energy when the ice changes to water.
(2) As the water temperature increases, the molecules absorb energy.
(3) The molecules lose energy when the water changes to steam.
A. (1) only
B. (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. None of the above.
Answer: B

Code: 03L1A0
03L1A030,
3L1A030, Total marks: 1

Statement 1: When ice at 0 °C changes to water at 0 °C, the internal energy of the
molecules increases.
Statement 2: When ice at 0 °C changes to water at 0 °C, the kinetic energy of the
molecules increases.
A. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 2 is a correct explanation for
statement 1.
B. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct but statement 2 is not a correct explanation
for statement 1.
C. Statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.
D. Statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct.
Answer: C

Code: 03L1A031
03L1A031,
3L1A031, Total marks: 1

A beaker of water at 25 °C is placed in a room of air temperature of 25 °C. Which of

the following graphs best shows how the total internal energy of the water in the
beaker varies with time?
A. total internal energy

time

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 11

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

B. total internal energy

time

C. total internal energy

time

D. total internal energy

time

Answer: D

Code: 03L1A03
03L1A032,
3L1A032, Total marks: 1

Statement 1: Evaporation has a cooling effect.

Statement 2: During evaporation, molecules with higher kinetic energy escape.
A. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 2 is a correct explanation for
statement 1.
B. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct but statement 2 is not a correct explanation
for statement 1.
C. Statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.
D. Statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct.
Answer: A

Code: 03L1A03
03L1A033,
3L1A033, Total marks: 1

Which of the following substances exists in its liquid state at 55 °C, under standard
atmospheric pressure?

Substance Melting point / °C Boiling point / °C

A 50 100
B −30 45
C 60 500

A. Substance A only
B. Substance B only
C. Substances A and C

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 12

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

D. Substances B and C
Answer: A

Code: 03L1A03
03L1A034,
3L1A034, Total marks: 1

The energy required to change a unit mass of a substance from solid to liquid without
a change of temperature is called the
A. latent heat of fusion.
B. latent heat of vaporization.
C. specific latent heat of fusion.
D. specific latent heat of vaporization.
Answer: C

Code: 03L1A03
03L1A035,
3L1A035, Total marks: 1

A substance with a melting point of 50 °C is heated to 90 °C. The substance is then

allowed to cool down to room temperature of 25 °C. Which of the following graphs
best represents the cooling curve of the substance?
A.
temperature / °C

90

25

time / s

B.
temperature / °C

90

25

time / s

C.

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 13

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

temperature / °C

90

25

time / s

D.
temperature / °C

90

25

time / s

Answer: C

Code: 03L1A03
03L1A036,
3L1A036, Total marks:
marks: 1

A microwave oven is used to heat up 0.2 kg of water at 20 °C. Energy is transferred to

the water at a constant rate of 800 W. How long does it take to boil away all the water
in the glass?
(The specific latent heat of vaporization of water is 2260 kJ kg −1 . The specific heat
capacity of water is 4200 J kg −1 °C −1 .)
A. 84 s
B. 565 s
C. 649 s
D. 724 s
Answer: C

Code: 03L1A03
03L1A037,
3L1A037, Total marks: 1

A 600 W heater is used to heat a beaker of liquid. The mass of the liquid decreases at
a constant rate of 1.2 × 10 −3 kg s −1 when the liquid is boiling. Estimate the specific
latent heat of vaporization of the liquid.
A. 20 kJ kg −1

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 14

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

B. 72 kJ kg −1
C. 500 kJ kg −1
D. 500 000 kJ kg −1
Answer: C

Code: 03L
03L1A03
3L1A038,
1A038, Total marks: 1

The figure below shows how the temperature of a substance varies when it is heated.

temperature / °C

S
T

Q
R

time / min

Which of the following statements is/are true?

(1) The substance is a solid in region PQ.
(2) The substance is a liquid in region QR.
(3) The substance is boiling in region RS.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Answer: A

Code: 03L1A03
03L1A039,
3L1A039, Total marks: 1

A substance of mass 0.2 kg is heated from solid to liquid by a 600 W heater. The
temperature of the substance varies with time as shown.

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 15

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

temperature / °C

50

40

30

20

10

time / min
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

What is the specific latent heat of fusion of the substance? Assume that all the energy
given out by the heater is absorbed by the substance.
A. 24 kJ kg −1
B. 39 kJ kg −1
C. 540 kJ kg −1
D. 900 kJ kg −1
Answer: C

Code: 03L1A0
03L1A040,
3L1A040, Total marks: 1

A solid X of unknown mass is heated with a 100 W heater. It is known that the
specific heat capacity of solid X is 500 J kg−1°C−1. The graph below shows how the
temperature of X varies with time. Assume that all the energy given out by the heater
is absorbed by the solid, find the specific latent heat of fusion of solid X.

temperature / °C

105

25
time / s
0 120 1020

A. 394 kJ kg−1
B. 340 kJ kg−1

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 16

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

C. 300 kJ kg−1
D. 30 kJ kg−1
Answer: C

Code: 03L1A04
03L1A041,
3L1A041, Total marks: 1

Which of the following substances exists in both liquid state and gaseous state at 60°C
under standard atmospheric pressure?
Substance Melting point / °C Boiling point / °C
X 30 120
Y 30 60
Z 60 100
A. X only
B. Y only
C. X and Y only
D. Y and Z only
Answer: B

Code: 03L1A04
03L1A042,
3L1A042, Total marks: 1

The apparatus below is used to find the specific latent heat of vaporization of water.
Which of the following can improve the accuracy of the experiment?
to power supply

electric heater

water

beaker

electronic balance

(1) Stirring the liquid throughout the experiment.

(2) Covering the beaker with a lid.
(3) Using a polystyrene cup instead of a beaker.
A. (1) only
B. (3) only
C. (1) and (2) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Answer: B

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 17

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

Multiple Choice Questions

(Level 2)

Code: 03L
03L2
3L2A001,
A001, Total marks: 1

Energy is transferred at equal rate to two substances X and Y of the same mass. The
graph below shows their temperature variations as they change from solids to liquids.
temperature

X
Y

0 time

Which of the following statements are correct?

(1) The melting point of substance X is higher than that of substance Y.
(2) The specific heat capacity of solid X is smaller than that of solid Y.
(3) The specific latent heat of fusion of substance X is smaller than that of
substance Y.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Answer: C

Code: 03L
03L2
3L2A002,
A002, Total marks: 1

John wants to prepare a cold soft-drink using 0.2 kg of coke at 25 °C and melting ice
cubes of mass 0.025 kg each. At least how many ice cubes should be added to lower
the temperature below 6 °C? (The specific heat capacity of water and the soft-drink
are 4200 J kg−1 °C−1 and 3470 J kg−1 °C−1. The specific latent heat of fusion of water is
3.34 × 105 J kg−1.)
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Answer: B

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 18

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

Code: 03L
03L2
3L2A003,
A003, Total marks: 1

When an object undergoes fusion, which of the following statements is correct?

A. The average kinetic energy due to random motion of the molecules is increasing.
B. The total kinetic energy due to random motion of the molecules is increasing.
C. The potential energy of the molecules is decreasing.
D. The internal energy of the object is increasing.
Answer: D

Code: 03L
03L2
3L2A004,
A004, Total marks: 1

Statement 1: When energy is transferred to a piece of melting ice, the temperature

remains unchanged before the ice melts completely.
Statement 2: The internal energy of a melting ice remains unchanged during fusion.
A. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 2 is a correct explanation for
statement 1.
B. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct but statement 2 is not a correct explanation
for statement 1.
C. Statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.
D. Statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct.
Answer: C

Code: 03L
03L2
3L2A005,
A005, Total marks: 1

A beaker of liquid has the same temperature as the surroundings. When the liquid
evaporates, which of the following statements concerning the molecules in the liquid
is correct?
A. The total internal energy of the molecules increases.
B. The total internal energy of the molecules decreases.
C. The potential energy of the molecules increases.
D. The potential energy of the molecules decreases.
Answer: B

Code: 03L
03L2
3L2A006,
A006, Total marks: 1

Statement 1: When water evaporates, the molecules remaining in the liquid have
lower average kinetic energy.
Statement 2: Molecules can gain or lose energy when they collide with each other.
A. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 2 is a correct explanation for
statement 1.
B. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct but statement 2 is not a correct explanation
for statement 1.

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 19

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

C. Statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.

D. Statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct.
Answer: B

Code: 03L
03L2
3L2A007,
A007, Total marks: 1

An ice cube of mass 0.3 kg is heated until it just melts completely. The total energy
supplied is 106.5 kJ. What is the initial temperature of the ice cube?
(The specific latent heat of fusion of water is 3.34 × 10 5 J kg −1 . The specific heat
capacity of ice is 2100 J kg −1 °C −1 .)
A. 10 °C
B. 3 °C
C. −3 °C
D. −10 °C
Answer: C

Code: 03L
03L2
3L2A008,
A008, Total marks: 1

Two substances A and B of the same mass are heated from solid to liquid under the
same condition.
Energy is transferred to the substances at the same rate. Their temperatures vary with
time as shown below.
temperature / °C

time / min

Which of the following statements are correct?

(1) Substance A has a higher melting point than substance B.
(2) Substance B has a higher specific heat capacity in solid state than in liquid state.
(3) Substance A has a higher specific latent heat of fusion than substance B.
A. (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 20

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

Answer: B

Code: 03L
03L2
3L2A009,
A009, Total marks: 1

Two beakers of water labelled as A and B are at a temperature of 70°C initially. Some
oil of the same temperature is added to beaker A. Then the two beakers are put on a
bench at room temperature to cool down for a long time. Which of the following
graphs best shows how the temperatures of the liquids vary with time?
A.
temperature / °C

70

0 time / s

B.
temperature / °C

70

0 time / s

C.
temperature / °C

70

B
A
0 time / s

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 21

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

D.
temperature / °C

70

B
A

0 time / s

Answer: A

Code: 03L
03L2
3L2A010,
A010, Total marks:
marks: 1

500 g ice of an unknown temperature is heated with a 600 W heater. All the ice turns
into 0°C water in 5 minutes. Assume that all the energy given out by the heater is
absorbed by the ice, find the original temperature of the ice. Given that the specific
heat capacity of ice is 2100 J kg−1°C−1 and the specific latent heat of fusion of ice is
3.34×105 J kg−1.
A. 0 °C
B. −4.2 °C
C. −12.4 °C
D. −16.2 °C
Answer: C

Code: 03L
03L2
3L2A011,
A011, Total marks: 1

Liquid X and Y of the same mass and temperature are put into a refrigerator to cool
down. The graph below shows the variation of the temperatures of the liquids with
time. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

temperature / °C

time / s
0

(1) The freezing point of X is higher than that of Y.

(2) The specific heat capacity of liquid Y is lower than that of liquid X.

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 22

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

(3) The specific latent heat of fusion of X is higher than that of Y.

A. (1) only
B. (3) only
C. (1) and (2) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Answer: C

Code: 03L
03L2
3L2A012,
A012, Total marks: 1

Solid X is heated by a 1000 W heater inside a beaker as shown in the figure below.
The solid melts and vaporizes gradually. The graph below shows the variation of the
reading of the electronic balance with time (the total mass of the empty beaker and the
heater has already been eliminated). Which of the following statements is/are correct?

reading of the balance / kg

heater

m2
solid X

beaker
m1

electronic balance time / s

0 t1 t2
(1) The solid X starts to melt at t1 and boil at t2.
1000 × t1
(2) The specific heat capacity of solid X can be calculated with .
m2
(3) The specific latent heat of vaporization of X can be calculated with
1000(t 2 − t1 )
.
m2 − m1
A. (1) only
B. (3) only
C. (1) and (2) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Answer: B

Code: 03L
03L2
3L2A013,
A013, Total marks: 1

Two beakers of water labelled as A and B are at a temperature of 70°C initially. The
two beakers are put on a bench at room temperature to cool down for a long time. Air
is pumped into the water in beaker A with an air pump during the first few minutes of
the cooling process. The air pump is removed afterwards. Which of the following
graphs best shows how the temperatures of the liquids vary with time?

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 23

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

A.
temperature / °C

70

A
B

0 time / s

B.
temperature / °C

70

0 time / s

C.
temperature / °C

70

B
A
0 time / s

D.
temperature / °C

70

0 time / s

Answer: B

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 24

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

Code: 03L
03L2
3L2A014,
A014, Total marks: 1

When an object undergoes fusion, which of the following statements is/are correct?
(1) The average intermolecular distances between the molecules increases.
(2) The internal energy of the object increases.
(3) The average kinetic energy of the molecules decreases because some of the
molecules have escaped.
A. (1) only
B. (3) only
C. (1) and (2) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Answer: C

Code: 03L
03L2
3L2A015,
A015, Total marks: 1

When water vapour condenses, which of the following statements is/are correct?
(1) The average intermolecular distances between the water molecules decreases.
(2) The internal energy of the water decreases.
(3) The average potential energy between the water molecules decreases.
A. (1) only
B. (3) only
C. (1) and (2) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Answer: C

Structured Questions (< 8 marks)

(Level 1)

Code: 03L1B001
03L1B001,
3L1B001, Total marks: 4

The cooling curve below shows how the temperature of a substance X changes with
time as it cools down from liquid to solid.

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 25

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

temperature / °C

80

54

time / min
a b

(a) What is the freezing point of substance X?

(1 mark)
(b) What is the state of X between the time a and b?
(1 mark)
(c) In the region beyond b, the curve gradually becomes horizontal. Explain why.
(2 marks)
Answer:

(a) 54 °C (1A)
(b) Substance X exists in both liquid and solid states. (1A)
(c) Energy is lost at a slower rate when the temperature of X is closer to the room
temperature (1A). When the temperature of X equals to the room temperature,
there is no heat exchange between X and the surroundings (1A). Hence, the curve
becomes horizontal.

Code: 03L
03L1
3L1B002,
B002, Total marks: 7

In an experiment determining the specific latent heat of fusion of wax, a student heats
0.3 kg of solid wax in a water bath. The graph below shows the temperature variation
of the wax. Assume that the water bath transfers heat to the wax at a rate of 110 W.

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 26

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

temperature / °C

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0 time / min
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Find
(a) the melting point of the wax;
(1 mark)
(b) the specific heat capacity of the solid wax; and
(3 marks)
(c) the specific latent heat of fusion of wax.
(3 marks)
Answer:

(a) 80 °C (1A)
(b) Applying E = Pt, the energy transferred to the wax in the first 2.8 minutes is
E = 110 × (2.8 × 60) =18 480 J (1M)
Q
Applying c = , we have
m∆T
18 480
c =
0.3 × (80 − 30) (1M+1A)
−1 −1
= 1232 J kg °C
The specific heat capacity of the solid wax is 1232 J kg−1 °C−1.
(c) Applying E = Pt, the energy transferred to the wax is
E = 110 × ( 7.4 − 2.8 ) × 60 = 30 360 J. (1M)

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 27

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

Q
Applying l f = ,we have
m
30 360
lf =
0 .3 (1M+1A)
= 1.012 × 10 5 J kg −1
The specific latent heat of fusion of the wax is 1.012 × 105 J kg−1.

Code: 03L1B00
03L1B003,
3L1B003, Total marks: 5

Energy is transferred at equal rate to two substances A and B of the same mass. The
graph shows their temperature variations as they change from liquids to gases.
temperature

0 time

(a) Which substance has a higher boiling point?

(1 mark)
(b) Which liquid has a higher specific heat capacity? Explain your answer briefly.
(2 marks)
(c) Which substance has a higher latent of vaporization? Explain your answer
briefly.
(2 marks)
Answer:

(a) substance A (1A)

(b) Substance B (1A). This is because liquid B requires longer time and hence more
energy to raise its temperature by 1 °C. (1A)
(c) Substance A (1A). This is because substance A requires longer time and hence
more energy to change from liquid to gas. (1A)

Code: 03L1B00
03L1B004,
3L1B004, Total marks: 4

During a marathon race, Mike generates heat at a rate of 900 W. Approximately 50%
of the energy is lost through evaporation of sweat.
(a) Explain how evaporation of sweat helps the runner to lose heat.
(1 mark)

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 28

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

(b) Suppose Mike completes the race in 2.5 hours. Find the mass of water he has to
drink to replenish the evaporated water.
(3 marks)
6 −1
(The specific latent heat of vaporization of water at 37 °C is 2.42 × 10 J kg .)
Answer:

(a) When sweat evaporates, it absorbs latent heat of vaporization from the body. (1A)
(b) Applying E = Pt, the energy generated by Mike within 2.5 hours is
E = 900 × (2.5 × 60 × 60 )
(1M)
= 8.1 × 10 6 J
The energy lost by evaporation is (8.1 × 106) × 50% = 4.05 × 106 J.
Q
Applying m = , we have
lv
4.05 × 10 6
m =
2.42 × 10 6 (1M+1A)
= 1.67 kg
The mass of water he has to drink to replenish the evaporated water is 1.67 kg.

Code: 03L1B00
03L1B005,
3L1B005, Total marks: 6

Jack heats up a kettle of water of mass 2 kg over a gas cooker. The initial water
temperature is 25 °C.
(a) Find the energy absorbed by the water when the water just boils.
(2 marks)
(b) Jack forgets to switch off the gas cooker. When he notices the danger, he
switches off the cooker immediately and finds that only 0.5 kg of water left in
the kettle. Estimate the energy wasted in boiling the water away.
(2 marks)
(c) If the energy in (b) was converted into electrical energy and supplied to a light
bulb of 100 W. How long could the bulb last?
(2 marks)
−1 −1
(The specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J kg °C . The specific latent heat of
vaporization of water is 2.26 × 106 J kg−1.)
Answer:

(a) Applying Q = mc∆T, the energy absorbed is

Q = 2 × 4200 × (100 − 25)
(1M+1A)
= 6.3 × 10 5 J
(b) Applying Q = mlv, the energy wasted is
Q = (2 − 0.5) × 2.26 × 10 6
(1M+1A)
= 3.39 × 10 6 J

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 29

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

E
(c) Applying t = ,
P
3.39 × 10 6
t =
100
= 3.39 × 10 4 s (1M+1A)
≈ 9.42 hrs
The bulb could last for 9.42 hours.

Code: 03L1B00
03L1B006,
3L1B006, Total marks: 4

A group of campers dry their clothes in open air as shown.

(a) Name the physical process involved in drying the clothes.

(1 mark)
(b) State how the following factors affect the time required for drying the clothes.
(i) The air temperature increases.
(ii) The humidity of air increases.
(iii) Stronger wind is present.
(3 marks)
Answer:

(a) evaporation (1A)

(b) (i) The time required becomes shorter. (1A)
(ii) The time required becomes longer. (1A)
(iii) The time required becomes shorter. (1A)

Code: 03L1B00
03L1B007,
3L1B007, Total marks: 4

(a) Explain, in microscopic terms, why the temperature of a substance remains

unchanged during fusion.
(2 marks)
(b) Explain, in terms of molecular motion, why evaporation has a cooling effect.
(2 marks)
Answer:

(a) When a substance undergoes fusion, energy is absorbed by the molecules to

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 30

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

overcome the attractive force without increase in kinetic energy (1A). Since
temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy due to random motion of
the molecules, the temperature of a substance remains unchanged during
fusion (1A).
(b) During evaporation, the molecules with higher kinetic energy escape from the
liquid (1A). Hence, the average kinetic energy of the molecules remaining in the
liquid will be lowered (1A). As a result, the liquid is cooled down.

Code: 03L1B0
03L1B008,
3L1B008, Total marks: 4

Comment the following statements.

(a) A substance with a greater specific heat capacity is a better conductor of heat.
(2 marks)
(b) The temperature of an object remains unchanged when it melts. Therefore, its
internal energy also remains unchanged.
(2 marks)
Answer:

(a) The statement is incorrect (1A). The ability of a substance to conduct heat is not
related to its specific heat capacity (1A).
(b) The statement is incorrect (1A). The internal energy of the object increases as it
melts (1A).

Code: 03L1B0
03L1B009,
3L1B009, Total marks: 7

Energy is transferred to a substance at a constant rate. The figure below shows how
the temperature of the substance varies with time.

temperature

P Q R S T

time

(a) State the regions in which the substance

(i) is melting,
(ii) exists in liquid state only, and

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 31

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

(iii) is vaporizing.
(3 marks)
(b) (i) Compare the specific heat capacities of the substance in solid state and that
in liquid state.
(2 marks)
(ii) Compare the specific latent heat of fusion and the specific latent heat of
vaporization of the substance.

(2 marks)
Answer:

(a) (i) The substance is melting in region Q. (1A)

(ii) The substance exists in liquid state only in region R. (1A)
(iii) The substance is vaporizing in region S. (1A)
(b) (i) The slope of the graph in region P is greater than that in region R. (1A)
Therefore, the substance has a smaller specific heat capacity in solid state
than in liquid state (1A).
(ii) The substance takes a longer time to vaporize than to melt (1A). Therefore,
its specific latent heat of vaporization is greater than its specific latent heat
of fusion (1A).

Code: 03L1B01
03L1B010,
3L1B010, Total marks: 4

Water has a specific heat capacity of 4200 J kg −1 °C −1 and a specific latent heat of
vaporization of 2.26 × 10 6 J kg −1 .
(a) Find the energy required to heat up 5 kg of water from 18 °C to its boiling point.
(2 marks)
(b) Find the energy required to boil off the water at its boiling point.
(2 marks)
Answer:

(a) The energy required is

Q = mc∆T = 5 × 4200 × (100 − 18) = 1.72 × 10 6 J (1M+1A)
(b) The energy required is
Q = ml v = 5 × 2.26 × 10 6 = 1.13 × 10 7 J (1M+1A)

Code: 03L1B01
03L1B011,
3L1B011, Total marks: 6

The set-up below is used to determine the specific latent heat of vaporization of water.
When the water starts to boil, the balance reading is recorded. After 2 minutes, the
balance reading is recorded again.

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 32

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

to power supply

500 W electric heater

water

beaker

electronic balance

The following are the results obtained.

Initial balance reading = 652.1 g
Final balance reading = 627.3 g
(a) Find the specific latent heat of vaporization of water.
(2 marks)
(b) The standard value of the specific latent heat of vaporization of water is
2.26 × 10 6 J kg −1 . Suggest two reasons why the value in (a) is different from the
standard value.
(2 marks)
(c) John suggests that covering the beaker with a lid can improve the accuracy of the
experiment. Do you agree? Explain briefly.
(2 marks)
Answer:

(a) Assume that there is no energy loss to the surroundings. By the law of
conservation of energy
energy supplied by the heater = energy gained by the water
652.1 − 627.3
500 × 2 × 60 = × lv (1M+1A)
1000
l v ≈ 2.42 × 10 6 J kg −1
The specific latent heat of vaporization of water is 2.42 × 10 6 J kg −1 .
(b) The experimental value is smaller than the standard value. This is because some
energy supplied by the heater is lost of the surroundings (1A). Besides, steam
condensed on the side of the beaker may fall back into the water (1A).
(c) John is not correct (1A). If the beaker is covered by a lid, most of the water
vapour will condense and fall back into the beaker (1A).

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 33

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

Code: 03L1B01
03L1B012,
3L1B012, Total marks: 5

In an experiment to determine the specific latent heat of fusion of water, a control is

set up using the following apparatus.

beaker funnel immersion heater crushed ice

(a) Draw the set-up for the control.

(3 marks)
(b) How does the control help to increase the accuracy of the experiment?
(2 marks)
Answer:

(a)

(1A for putting the ice into the funnel + 1A for placing the beaker under the funnel + 1A for
the immersion of the unconnected heater)
immersion heater (1A)
(b) The control measures the mass of ice melted by the heat from the
surroundings (1A). Therefore, the actual mass of ice melted by the heater can be
determined (1A).

Code: 03L1B0
03L1B013,
3L1B013, Total marks: 3

The following figure shows a steam iron in a home with a rated power of 1000W.
Inside the steam iron, there is an electric hot plate and a filled water tank. Water drips

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 34

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

from the water tank to the hot plate continuously. The water is heated and changes to
steam. Given that the specific heat capacity and the specific latent heat of vaporization
of water is 4200 J kg−1°C−1 and 2.26 × 106 J kg−1 respectively and the initial
temperature of the water is 25°C.

(a) Assuming all the water dripped on the hot plate changes into steam, find the
maximum mass of steam produced by the iron in a second.
(2 marks)
(b) If too much water is dripped onto the hot plate, hot water will leak from the iron.
Explain briefly.
(1 mark)
Answer:

(a) Let m be the maximum mass of steam produced by the iron in a second.

Q = mc∆T + ml v
(1000)(1) = (m)(4200)(100 − 25) + (m)(2.26 × 10 6 ) (1M+1A)
m = 3.88 × 10 −4 kg

(b) Some water may not change to gas if the mass of water dripped onto the hot plate
exceeds the maximum mass of steam produced every second (1A). As a result,
water may leak from the iron.

Code: 03L1B0
03L1B014,
3L1B014, Total marks: 3

There is lots of foreign news that tongues of children get stuck to metal poles when
the children lick the poles in winter.

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 35

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

(a) Explain briefly why the tongues stick on the metal poles when the children put
their tongues on the poles in winter.
(2 marks)
(b) Suggest a way to rescue them from sticking their tongues on the metal poles.
(1 mark)
Answer:

(a) When they put their tongues on the poles, heat is readily carried away by the
metal poles in a short time by conduction (1A). The water moisture on the
tongues freezes (1A), so their tongues get stuck on the poles.
(b) Pour some warm water onto the sticking tongues to melt the ice (1A).

Code: 03L1B01
03L1B015,
3L1B015, Total marks: 6

The following figure shows an electric kettle with an unknown power. Water is poured
in it and the kettle is switched on. The water starts to boil after a period of time and
the mass of water decreases steadily at a rate of 29.2 grams per minute. Given that the
specific heat capacity and the specific latent heat of vaporization of water is 4200 J
kg−1°C−1 and 2.26 × 106 J kg−1 respectively.

(a) Calculate the power of the electric kettle.

(2 marks)
(b) How long does it take to raise the temperature of 0.8 kg of water from 20°C to
100°C?
(2 marks)
(c) By using a better measuring instrument, it is found that there is a slight decrease
in the mass of water before the water boils. Explain briefly in terms of the

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 36

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

motion of water molecules.

(2 marks)
Answer:

(a) Let P be the power of the kettle.

Applying Q = mlv and E =Pt, we have
29.2
( P)(60) = ( )(2.26 × 10 6 )
1000
P = 1099.87 (1M+1A)
≈ 1100 W
(b) Let t be the time taken to boil the water.
Applying Q = mc∆T and E = Pt, we have
(1099.87)(t ) = (0.8)(4200)(100 − 20)
(1M+1A)
t ≈ 244 s
It takes 244 seconds to boil 0.8 kg of water at 20°C.
(c) Evaporation has taken place before the water boils (1A). Water molecules at the
surface with higher kinetic energy have escaped from the liquid to the air (1A).
Thus the total mass of the kettle of water is reduced.

Structured Questions (< 8 marks)

(Level 2)

Code: 03L2B00
03L2B001,
3L2B001, Total marks: 6

After barbecue, we put out the fire by splashing the burning charcoal with a large
amount of water.
(a) State two advantages of using water to put out the fire.
(2 marks)
(b) The initial temperature of the water is 20 °C. Suppose the temperature and the
mass of the burning charcoal is 800 °C and 2 kg respectively. Estimate the
amount of water required to lower the temperature of the charcoal to 100 °C.
(The specific heat capacity of water and charcoal are 4200 J kg−1 °C−1 and
711 J kg−1 °C−1 respectively. The specific latent heat of vaporization of water is
2.26 × 106 J kg−1.)
(4 marks)
Answer:

(a) (any two) (2A)

(1) Water has a high specific heat capacity and specific latent heat of
vaporization. It absorbs large amount of energy when it changes from liquid
to steam and therefore it can cool down the burning charcoal effectively.
(2) Water is non-flammable and non-toxic.

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 37

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

(3) When water boils off, its volume expands by 103 times. The water vapour
could cut off the supply of air to the fire.
(4) Water is cheap and easily available.
(b) Applying Q = mc∆T, the energy required to remove from charcoal is
Q = 2 × 711 × (800 − 100)
(1M)
= 9.954 × 10 5 J
Let m be the amount of water required.
The energy absorbed by the water when it changes from 20 °C to steam at
100 °C is

Q = mc∆T + ml v
= m × 4200 × (100 − 20) + m × 2.26 × 10 6 (1M)
(
= 2.596 × 10 m 6
)
Assume that all energy released by the charcoal is transferred to the water.
energy removed from charcoal = energy absorbed by water
( )
9.954 × 10 5 = 2.596 × 10 6 m (1M+1A)
m ≈ 0.383 kg
The mass of water required is 0.383 kg.

Code: 03L2B00
03L2B002,
3L2B002, Total marks: 7

A boy puts 0.5 kg of water at 25 °C into the freezer compartment of a refrigerator. The
water freezes and the temperature of the ice drops to −8 °C.
(a) Sketch a graph to show how the temperature of the water changes with time.
(3 marks)
(b) Find the total energy removed from the water and the ice.
(The specific heat capacities of water and ice are 4200 J kg−1 °C−1 and
2100 J kg−1 °C−1 respectively. The specific latent heat of fusion of water is
3.34 × 105 J kg−1.)
(4 marks)
Answer:

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 38

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

(a) temperature / °C

25

time

-8

(1A for the initial and final temperatures + 1A for the shape of the graph + 1A for the labels
of the axes)
(b) Applying Q = mc∆T, the energy removed in cooling down the water from 25 °C
to 0 °C is
Q = 0.5 × 4200 × (25 − 0)
(1M)
= 5.25 × 10 4 J
Applying Q = mlf, the energy removed when the water at 0 °C changes to ice at
0 °C is
Q = 0.5 × 3.34 × 10 5
(1M)
= 1.67 × 10 5 J
Applying Q = mc∆T, the energy removed in cooling down the ice from 0 °C to
−8 °C is
Q = 0.5 × 2100 × [0 − (−8)]
(1M)
= 8400 J
Hence, the total energy removed is
( 5.25 × 104 + 1.67 × 105 + 8400 ) J = 2.279 × 105 J. (1A)

Code: 03L2B00
03L2B003,
3L2B003, Total marks: 5

(a) Define the specific latent heat of fusion of a substance.

(1 mark)

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 39

All rights reserved
 NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

(b) The figure shows an ice-skater of mass 30 kg moving at a speed of 6.0 m s−1. She
eventually comes to stop due to friction between the skate and the ice. Suppose
the ice is at 0 °C and 50% of the kinetic energy possessed by the skater is
absorbed by the ice. Estimate the mass of the melted ice. State your assumption
1
in your calculation. The kinetic energy of the skater is given by 2mv2.

(The specific latent heat of fusion of water is 3.34 × 105 J kg−1.)

(4 marks)
Answer:

(a) The specific latent heat of fusion of a substance is the energy required to change
1 kg of the substance from solid to liquid without a change of temperature. (1A)
1
(b) Applying K.E. = 2mv2, the kinetic energy possessed by the ice-skater is

1
K.E. = × 30 × (6.0) 2
2 (1M)
= 540 J
Hence, the energy transferred to the ice is 540 × 50% = 270 J.
Q
Applying m = , we have
lv
270
m =
3.34 × 10 5
= 8.08 × 10 − 4 kg (1M+1A)
= 0.808 g
The mass of the melted ice is 0.808 g.
It is assumed that the energy is transferred to the same piece of ice. (1A)

Code: 03L2B00
03L2B004,
3L2B004, Total marks: 4

The figure below shows the cooling curve of a substance changing from liquid state to
solid state.

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 40

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

temperature

B C

time

(a) In what state does the substance exists in

(i) AB, and
(ii) BC?
(2 marks)
(b) Suppose the rate of heat loss to the surroundings increases. Sketch, in the graph
above, the new cooling curve.
(2 marks)
Answer:

(a) (i) The substance exists in liquid state only. (1A)

(ii) The substance exists in both liquid state and solid state. (1A)
(b)
temperature

B C

time

(1A for the freezing point + 1A for the shape of the graph)

Code: 03L2B00
03L2B005,
3L2B005, Total marks: 6

The following set-up is used to determine the specific latent heat of vaporization of
water.

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 41

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

heater

thermometer
kilowatt-hour meter

water

triple beam balance

(a) Describe the experimental procedure for finding the specific latent heat of
vaporization of water.
(4 marks)
(b) Suggest two improvements on the set-up to increase the accuracy of the
experiment.
(2 marks)
Answer:

(a) The beaker of water is heated by the heater (1A). The kilowatt-hour meter
measures the energy supplied to the heater (1A). After boiling starts, the energy E
required to boil off m kg of water is recorded (1A). The specific latent heat of
Q
vaporization of water can then be calculated using the formula l v = (1A).
m
(b) The accuracy of the experiment can be increased by immersing the heater
completely in water (1A), or wrapping the beaker with cotton (1A).

Code: 03L2B00
03L2B006,
3L2B006, Total marks: 7

A solid is heated by a Bunsen burner. The figure below shows how the temperature of
the solid varies with time.
temperature

II
I

time

(a) Describe how the molecular kinetic energy and the molecular potential energy of
the solid changes in
(i) region I, and

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 42

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

(ii) region II.

(4 marks)
(b) Suppose the solid is replaced by another one of equal mass, but with a lower
melting point, a smaller specific heat capacity and a smaller specific latent heat
of fusion. Sketch in the graph above to show how the solid temperature varies
with time.
(3 marks)
Answer:

(a) (i) In region I, the average molecular kinetic energy of the solid increases (1A)
while the molecular potential energy remains unchanged (1A).
(ii) In region II, the average molecular kinetic energy of the solid remains (1A)
unchanged while the molecular potential energy increases (1A).
(b)
temperature

time

(1A for the melting point + 1A for the specific heat capacity + 1A for the specific latent heat
of fusion)

Code: 03L
03L2
3L2B007,
B007, Total marks: 7

The set-up below is used to determine the specific latent heat of vaporization of water.
The graph shows the variation of the reading of the electronic balance with time (the
total mass of the empty beaker and the heater has already been eliminated). The initial
temperature of the beaker of water is 25°C.

reading of the balance / kg

1000 W electric heater

0.2
water

beaker
0.147

electronic balance time / s

0 63 183

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 43

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

(a) How can you estimate the specific heat capacity of water from the graph? Briefly
explain your answer and find the specific heat capacity of water.
(4 marks)
(b) Find the specific latent heat of vaporization of water from the graph.
(2 marks)
(c) Suggest an improvement in the set-up to increase the accuracy of the experiment.
(1 mark)
Answer:

(a) When the water temperature reaches 100°C, the water boils and the mass of
water starts to decrease (1A). Thus, the rise in temperature, the energy absorbed
and the mass of water are known when the water starts to boil (1A). We can
Q
estimate the specific heat capacity of water by applying equation c = ,
m∆T
(1M)
Q
c=
m∆T
(1000 × 63)
= (1A)
(0.2) × (100 − 25)
= 4200 J kg −1 °C −1
(b) Applying Q = mlv
Q
lv =
m
(1000)(183 − 63)
= (1M+1A)
0.2 − 0.147
= 2.26 × 10 6 J kg −1
Therefore, the specific latent of vaporization of water is 2.26 × 106 J kg−1.
(c) The accuracy can be improved by wrapping the beaker with cotton or using a
foam cup instead of a beaker (1A).

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 44

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

Structured Questions (≥ 8 marks)

(Level 1)

Code: 03L
03L1
3L1C001,
C001, Total marks: 11

immersion
heaters

device X

crushed
ice

beaker B
beaker A

apparatus B connected to
apparatus A power supply

A student sets up the above apparatus to measure the specific latent heat of fusion of
water. The funnels contain crushed ice at 0 °C. The student switches on the power
supply for 12 minutes. Then he switches it off and waits until the water from the two
funnels drips at a steady rate. The following results are obtained:

Initial reading of device X = 21 150 J

Final reading of device X = 37 300 J
Mass of water in beaker A = 30.1 g
Mass of water in beaker B = 69.8 g

(a) Name device X.

(1 mark)
(b) What is the purpose of apparatus A?
(1 mark)
(c) Why should we use finely crushed ice in this experiment?
(1 mark)
(d) Calculate the specific latent heat of fusion of water. Account for any difference
between the value obtained and the standard value, 3.34 × 105 J kg−1.
(4 marks)
(e) Would you expect the value obtained to be lower, equal to or higher than the
value obtained in (d) if the experiment is repeated
(i) without apparatus A; and
(ii) by using ice at −5 °C?
Explain your answer in each case.

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 45

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

(4 marks)
Answer:

(a) joulemeter (1A)

(b) It is used as a control to measure the mass of ice melted due to heat from the
surroundings. (1A)
(c) Finely crushed ice is used to ensure a good thermal contact between the heater
and the ice. (1A)
(d) Mass of ice melted by the immersion heater is ( 69.8 − 30.1 ) g = 39.7 g. Energy
supplied to the heater is ( 37 300 − 21 150) J = 16 150 J. (1M)
Q
Applying l f = , we have
m
16 150
lf =
0.0397 (1M+1A)
≈ 4.07 × 10 5 J kg −1
The specific latent heat of fusion obtained is 4.07 × 105 J kg −1. It is larger than
the standard value because there is energy loss to the surroundings (1A).
(e) (i) The value obtained in this case is lower (1A). This is because the mass of
melted ice due to heat gain from the surroundings is taken into account (1A).
(ii) The value obtained in this case is higher (1A). This is because more energy
is consumed in raising the temperature of ice from −5 °C to 0 °C (1A).

Code: 03L
03L1
3L1C002,
C002, Total marks: 11

A student performs an experiment to determine the specific latent heat of vaporization

of water. A beaker containing water is placed on an electronic balance as shown. A
heater is used to heat up the water. Device X is used to measure the energy supplied to
the heater.

device X

heater

connected to
power supply

electronic
balance

(a) Name device X.

(1 mark)
(b) When the water starts to boil, the reading of the balance and device X are

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 46

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

recorded. After 5 minutes, the reading of the balance and device X are recorded
again. The following results are obtained:
Initial reading of the balance = 566.1 g
Final reading of the balance = 555.8 g
Energy supplied to the heater = 2.4 × 104 J
Find
(i) the power of the heater; and
(ii) the specific latent heat of vaporization of water.
(5 marks)
(c) Compare the value obtained in (b) (ii) with the standard value 2.26 × 10 J kg−1.6

Account for any difference between the two values.

(3 marks)
(d) The student suggests covering the beaker with a lid. How would the result be
affected? Explain your answer briefly.
(2 marks)
Answer:

(a) kilowatt-hour meter (1A)

E
(b) (i) Applying P = , the power of the heater is
t
2.4 × 10 4
P =
60 × 5 (1M+1A)
= 80 W
The power of the heater is 80 W.
(ii) Mass of water boiled away = ( 566.1 − 555.8 ) g = 10.3 g. (1M)
Q
Applying l v = , we have
m
2.4 × 10 4
lv =
10.3 × 10 −3 (1M+1A)
≈ 2.33 × 10 6 J kg −1
The specific latent heat of vaporization of water is 2.33 × 106 J.
(c) The value obtained is larger than the standard value (1A). This is because there is
energy loss to the surroundings (1A). Besides, steam may condense on the heater
and drip back into the beaker (1A).
(d) The value obtained will be higher (1A). This is because the water condensed
under the lid may drop back into the beaker (1A).

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 47

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

Code: 03L1C00
03L1C003,
3L1C003, Total marks: 10

evaporator

freezer

compressor

A schematic diagram of a refrigerator is shown above. A refrigerant is forced to flow

around the refrigerator. It changes from liquid state to gas state at the evaporator and it
changes from gas state to liquid state at the compressor.
(a) Name the physical process that takes place in the evaporator.
(1 mark)
(b) Explain briefly how food inside the refrigerator is cooled down.
(3 marks)
(c) Suppose the refrigerant can remove heat from the inside of the refrigerator at a
rate of 500 W. Find
(i) the time required to cool 2 kg of water from 30 °C to 4 °C; and
(3 marks)
(ii) the time required to change 0.4 kg of water at 0 °C to ice at 0 °C.
(3 marks)
−1 −1
(The specific heat capacity fo water is 4200 J kg °C . The specific latent heat of
fusion of water is 3.36 × 105 J kg−1.)
Answer:

(a) evaporation (1A)

(b) When the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator, it absorbs heat from the inside
of the refrigerator (1A). When the refrigerant is pumped through the compressor
and the condenser, heat is released to the outside of the refrigerator (1A). The
above process repeats and the food inside the compartment can hence be
cooled (1A).
(c) (i) Applying Q = mc∆T, the energy removed from the water is

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 48

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

Q = 2 × 4200 × (30 − 4)
(1M)
= 2.184 × 10 5 J
E
Applying t = , we have
P
2.184 × 10 5
t =
500
= 436.8 s (1M+1A)
= 7.28 min
The time required is 7.28 minutes.
(ii) Applying Q = mlf, the energy removed from the water is
(
Q = 0.4 × 3.34 × 10 5 ) (1M)
= 1.336 × 10 J 5

E
Applying t = , we have
P
1.336 × 10 5
t=
500
= 267.2 s (1M+1A)
≈ 4.45 min
The time required is 4.45 minutes.

Code: 03L1C00
03L1C004,
3L1C004, Total marks: 9

In a five-hour race, a cyclist loses 80% of the heat generated by his body through
sweating. Suppose he loses 9.6 kg of water during the race.
(a) Define the specific latent heat of vaporization of a substance.
(1 mark)
(b) Explain why sweating can help to maintain the body temperature of the cyclist.
(2 marks)
(c) Besides evaporation, suggest a way in which energy is carried away from the
cyclist.
(2 marks)

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 49

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

(d) Determine the average power developed by the cyclist.

(4 marks)
6 −1
(The specific latent heat of vaporization of water at 37 °C is 2.42 × 10 J kg .)
Answer:

(a) The specific latent heat of vaporization of a substance is the energy required to
change 1 kg of the substance from liquid to gas without a change of
temperature. (1A)
(b) During the race, the body temperature of the cyclist tends to increase (1A). When
sweat evaporates from his skin, latent heat of vaporization is taken away (1A).
Hence, his body is cooled and his body temperature is maintained.
(c) Heat can be carried away by air from his body through conduction (1A). The
cyclist can also lose heat through radiation (1A).
(d) Applying Q = mlv, the energy carried away by evaporation of sweat is
(
Q = 9.6 × 2.42 × 10 6 ) (1M)
= 2.3232 × 10 7 J
2.3232 × 10 7
The energy generated by the cyclist is = 2.904 × 107 J. (1M)
80%
E
Applying P = t , we have

2.904 × 10 7
P =
5 × 60 × 60 (1M+1A)
≈ 1610 W
The average power developed by the cyclist is 1610 W.

Code: 03L1C00
03L1C005,
3L1C005, Total marks: 9

A liquid of mass 2.5 kg is heated by a 500 W heater. The figure below shows how the
temperature of the liquid varies with time.

temperature / °C

40

30

20

10

time / s
0
200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 50

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

(a) Read from the graph,

(i) the initial temperature, and
(ii) the boiling point of the liquid.
(2 marks)
(b) Find the specific heat capacity of the liquid.
(3 marks)
(c) At 1600 s, the mass of liquid that remains is 0.6 kg.
(i) Explain why the mass of the liquid decreases.
(ii) Find the specific latent heat of vaporization of the liquid.
(4 marks)
Answer:

(a) (i) The initial temperature of the liquid is 7 °C. (1A)

(ii) The boiling point of the liquid is 35 °C. (1A)
(b) The energy supplied by the heater in the first 200 s is
E = Pt = 500 × 200 = 100 000 J (1M)
Assume that all energy released by the heater is transferred to the liquid.
Applying Q = mc∆T , the specific heat capacity of the liquid is
Q 100 000
c= = ≈ 1430 J kg −1 °C −1 (1M+1A)
m∆T 2.5 × (35 − 7)
(c) (i) Some of the liquid is boiled off. (1A)
(ii) Energy supplied by the heater from 200 s to 1700 s is
E = Pt = 500 × (1700 − 200) = 750 000 J (1M)
The specific latent heat of vaporization of the liquid is
Q 750 000
lv = = ≈ 3.95 × 10 5 J kg −1 (1M+1A)
m 2 .5 − 0 .6

Code: 03L1C00
03L1C006,
3L1C006, Total marks: 8

The figure below shows an experimental set-up for determining the specific latent
heat of fusion of water. The heater is switched on when the ice melts and drips into
the beaker at a steady rate.

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 51

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

100 W immersion heater

ice

water

(a) Explain why the ice melts before the heater is switched on.
(1 mark)
(b) The following results are obtained in the experiment.
Mass of empty beaker = 200 g
Mass of beaker with water = 265 g
Time taken to heat the ice = 200 s
(i) Calculate the specific latent heat of fusion of water.
(3 marks)
(ii) Compare the experimental value with the standard value, 3.34 × 10 5 J kg −1 .
Account for any difference between the two values.
(2 marks)
(c) Suggest two improvements to increase the accuracy of the experiment.
Briefly explain how each of the improvement works.
(2 marks)
Answer:

(a) The ice melts as it absorbs energy from the surroundings. (1A)
(b) (i) Energy supplied by the heater in 200 s is
E = Pt = 100 × 200 = 20 000 J (1M)
Assume that all energy released by the heater is transferred to the ice. The
specific latent heat of fusion of water is
Q 20 000
lf = = −3
≈ 3.08 × 10 5 J kg −1 (1M+1A)
m (265 − 200) × 10
(ii) The experimental value is smaller than the standard value (1A) because
some ice is melted by heat from the surroundings (1A).
(c) The accuracy of the experiment can be increased by setting up a control
apparatus. The actual mass of ice melted by the heater can then be measured

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 52

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

correctly (1A). Besides, crushed ice should be used such that the ice has a good
thermal contact with the heater (1A).

Structured Questions (≥ 8 marks)

(Level 2)

Code: 03L
03L2C
3L2C00
2C001,
001, Total marks: 9

(a) How much energy must be removed from 200 mL of water to lower its
temperature from 20 °C to 0 °C?
(2 marks)
(b) How much energy must be transferred to 500 g of ice at −10 °C to change it to
water at 0 °C?
(3 marks)
(c) Peter adds two ice cubes into 200 mL of water at 20 °C. The mass and
temperature of each ice cube are 250 g and −10 °C respectively. What is the final
temperature of the mixture? What is the mass of water in the mixture?
(4 marks)
−1 −1
(The specific heat capacities of water and ice are 4200 J kg °C and
2100 J kg−1 °C−1 respectively. The specific latent heat of fusion of water is
3.34 × 105 J kg−1. The density of water is 1 kg L−1.)
Answer:

(a) Mass of water of 200 mL = 200 mL × 1 kg L−1 = 0.2 kg.

Applying Q = mc∆T, the energy removed is
Q = 0.2 × 4200 × (20 − 0)
(1M+1A)
= 1.68 × 10 4 J
(b) Applying Q = mc∆T, the energy required to change the temperature of the ice of
500 g from −10 °C to 0 °C is
Q = 0.5 × 2100 × [0 − (−10)]
(1M)
= 10 500 J
Applying Q = mlf, the energy required to change the ice at 0 °C to water at 0 °C
is
Q = 0.5 × 3.34 × 10 5
(1M)
= 1.67 × 10 5 J
The total energy absorbed by the ice is
( 1.05 × 104 + 1.67 × 105 ) J = 1.775 × 105 J. (1A)
(c) When 200 mL of water at 20 °C is mixed with 0.5 kg of ice −10 °C, part of the
ice will melt, resulting in a mixture of water and ice at 0 °C. (1A)
Let m be mass of ice melted.
Assuming that all the energy lost by the water is transferred to the ice

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 53

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

energy lost by water of 20 °C = energy gained by the ice as its temperature

rises from − 10 °C to 0 °C +
latent heat absorbed by the ice (1M)
1.68 × 10 4 = 1.05 × 10 4 + m × 3.36 × 10 5
m = 0.01875 kg
18.75 g of ice has been melted into water. Therefore, the mass of water in the
mixture is ( 200 + 18.75 ) g = 218.75 g. (1M+1A)

Code: 03L
03L2
3L2C002,
C002, Total marks: 10

(a) Describe, in microscopic terms, what latent heat of fusion of a substance is.
(3 marks)
(b) Compare the increase in molecular potential energy in the fusion of water with
that in the vaporization of water.
(2 marks)
(c) When ice at 0 °C is mixed with equal mass of steam at 0 °C, what is the final
temperature of the mixture? What is the state of the mixture?
(4 marks)
(d) State an application of high latent heat of vaporization of water in our daily life.
(1 mark)
−1 −1
(The specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J kg °C . The specific latent heat of
fusion of water is 3.34 × 105 J kg−1.The specific latent heat of vaporization of water is
2.26 ×106 J kg−1.)
Answer:

(a) The molecules in a solid are bound by attractive forces (1A). When the solid
melts, energy is required to overcome these forces (1A). The energy required is
called the latent heat of fusion (1A).
(b) The specific latent heat of vaporization of water is much higher than the specific
latent of fusion of water (1A). Therefore, the increase in potential energy of water
molecules in vaporization is higher than that in fusion (1A).
(c) Suppose the ice and steam have the same mass of m kg. The energy gained by
the ice when it changes to water at 100 °C is (3.34 × 105 × m + 4200 × 100 × m)
J = 7.54 m × 105 J (1A). On the other hand, the energy lost by the steam when it
changes to water at 100 °C is 2.26m × 106 J (1A). Since the latent heat released by
steam is much higher than the energy gained when equal mass of ice at 0 °C
changes to water at 100 °C (1A), the final temperature of the mixture is 100 °C.
Water exists as liquid and gas in the mixture. (1A)
(d) (any one) (1A)
(1) Steam is used to cook food.

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 54

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

(2) Water is used to put out fire.

Code: 03L2C00
03L2C003,
3L2C003, Total marks: 12

The figure below shows the cooling curve of 100 g of octadecan-1-ol as it changes
from liquid state to solid state.
temperature / °C

70

65

60

55

time / min
0
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

(a) Describe, with the aid of a diagram, how you can use the apparatus below to
obtain the cooling curve.

octadecan-1-ol

water

stand and clamp thermometer tripod Bunsen burner

(5 marks)
(b) (i) Find the melting point of octadecan-1-ol from the graph.
(ii) A student suggests that the internal energy of octadecan-1-ol remains

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 55

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

unchanged from 8.8 min to 14.8 min. Do you agree? Explain briefly.

(4 marks)
(c) Suppose the rate of heat loss to the surroundings at melting point is 45 W.
Find the specific latent heat of fusion of octadecan-1-ol.
(3 marks)
Answer:

(a)

(1A for heating octadecan-1-ol in a water bath + 1A for inserting the thermometer into the
boiling tube)
Heat the solid octadecan-1-ol in a water bath until it completely changes
into liquid at about 10 °C above its melting point (1A). Then, remove
the boiling tube from the water bath and let the octadecan-1-ol to cool
down (1A). Record its temperature every minute until the temperature
falls to a few degrees below its melting point (1A).
(b) (i) From the graph, the melting point of octadecan-1-ol is 59 °C (1A).
(ii) The student is not correct (1A). The octadecan-1-ol releases energy to the
surroundings as it changes from liquid to solid (1A). Therefore, its internal
energy should decrease (1A).

(c) The energy lost to the surroundings is

Q = 45 × (14.8 − 8.8) × 60 = 16 200 J (1M)
The specific latent heat of fusion of octadecan-1-ol is
16 200
lf = = 1.62 × 10 5 J kg −1 (1M+1A)
0 .1

Code: 03L2C00
03L2C004,
3L2C004, Total marks: 10

In an experiment, 0.5 kg of substance X is heated by a 2000 W heater. The graph

below shows the temperature variation of the substance when changing from solid
state to liquid state.

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 56

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

temperature / °C

D
63
B C
53
A

25
time / s
0 16.9 62.9 66.9

(a) What would be the state(s) of the substance in the following region of the graph?
(i) BC
(ii) CD
(2 marks)
(b) Calculate the specific heat capacity of substance X in solid state.
(2 marks)
(c) Calculate the specific latent heat of fusion of substance X.
(2 marks)
(d) Suppose the experiment is repeated with the power of the heater halved. Copy
the original graph above to the answer book. Sketch, on the same graph, how the
new temperature of substance X varies with time.
(4 marks)
Answer:

(a) (i) The substance exists in both solid and liquid states. (1A)
(ii) The substance exists in liquid state. (1A)
(b) Applying Q = mc∆T, the specific heat capacity of substance X in solid state is
given by
(2000)(16.9) = (0.5)(c)(53 − 25)
(1M+1A)
c = 2414 J kg −1 °C −1
(c) Applying Q = mlf, the specific latent heat of fusion of substance X is given by
(2000)(62.9 − 16.9) = (0.5)(l f )
(1M+1A)
l f = 184 000 J kg −1
(d) If the power is halved, the time spent in each section of the curve will be
doubled.

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 57

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

old
temperature / °C
new
63

53

25
time / s
0 16.9 33.8 62.9 66.9 125.8 133.8

(1A for correct melting point + 1A for the same initial temperature + 2A for correct slopes)

Article Reading
Code: 03L1D001
03L1D001,
3L1D001, Total marks: 4

Read the following article about electric cars and answer the questions that follow.

Hybrid cars that use both batteries and gas are available commercially, but there are
currently no cars that rely solely on batteries. One of the reasons is that the large
lithium-ion batteries that would be used to power electric cars generate intense heat.
Hybrid carmakers solve this by fitting car battery cases with fans that blow excess
heat away. However, fans are complex and expensive, and, if they fail, they could
have a major meltdown.

Since so much energy is released when the batteries are turned on, it becomes
essential to remove this heat to keep the battery operating safe.
Researchers propose surrounding lithium-ion batteries in wax. By surrounding the
batteries with slow-melting wax, the batteries would be kept at a stable temperature
because the wax would absorb the excess heat as it melts in the form of latent heat.
When the car is switched off, the heat in the melted wax would be slowly transferred
back to the batteries, preventing them from freezing in the winter.
Source: ‘Wax may make electric cars a reality’, USA Today, August 2002.
(a) How does wax help to keep the batteries at a stable temperature?
(2 marks)
(b) What are the advantages of using wax over using fans for battery temperature
control?
(2 marks)
Answer:

(a) When the battery temperature rises above normal, the wax melts and absorbs
latent heat form the batteries (1A). When the battery temperature falls below
normal, heat is transferred from the wax to the batteries (1A).
(b) Wax can help to prevent batteries from freezing (1A). Besides, wax is cheaper

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 58

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

than fans (1A).

Code: 03L1D002
03L1D002,
3L1D002, Total marks: 3

Read the following article about a new cooling vest and answer the questions that
follow.
A new, lightweight cooling vest, using ammonia and powered by hydrocarbon fuel,
could soon be helping US soldiers cope with the heat of battle.

Some wearable cooling systems already exist and are used by astronauts, for example.
But these are based on pumping cooled water through the vest's tubes. This requires
substantial power, making these systems too heavy to be carried.

The new vest still employs water as a coolant, but uses a cooling system powered by
burning hydrocarbon fuel to remove the heat from the water.

Warm water in the vest's tubes is pumped past an array of microscopic tubes that
contain liquid ammonia. The ammonia absorbs the water’s heat and vaporizes,
cooling the water. This vapour is then condensed and recycled.

The researchers believe a cooling unit, capable of producing 150 watts of cooling
power for up to six hours, should weigh no more than 1.8 kilograms and be compact
enough to fit into a small pocket in the vest.
(a) Briefly describe how ammonia is used to cool down the warm water passing
through the vest’s tubes.
(1 mark)
(b) Estimate the energy that the cooling unit can remove in six hours.
(2 marks)
Answer:

(a) As ammonia vaporizes, it absorbs latent heat of vaporization from the warm
water. As a result, the water is cooled. (1A)
(b) The energy removed is
E = Pt
= 150 × 6 × 60 × 60 (1M+1A)
= 3.24 × 10 6 J

Code: 03L1D003
03L1D003,
3L1D003, Total marks: 6

Read the following article about the rise of sea level and answer the questions that
follow.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the sea levels around
the world have raised fifteen to twenty centimetres in the last century. Some scientists
believe this is a consequence of the global warming. They suggest that the rise of sea
level is due to the thermal expansion of the ocean and the melting of glaciers from

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 59

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

landmasses (NOT from the melting of ice originally floating in the sea). For water
temperature above 4°C, the water expands in volume when it is warmed and this
makes the sea level rise. Moreover the rising temperature weakens the glaciers on
landmasses and causes parts of them to break off. They fall into the ocean to become
icebergs and make the sea level rises.

Besides the melting of glaciers from landmasses, will the polar ice caps melt and
cause the sea level to rise dramatically? About ninety percent of the world’s ice is
located in Antarctica at the South Pole and they contribute to seventy percent of fresh
water in the world. The continent is covered with ice of an average thickness of 2,133
meters and the average temperature there is −40°C (a very rough estimation). It is far
below the freezing point of water most of the time, so there is no danger of large scale
melting in the present situation. However scientists do worry about how much ice is
likely to melt and enter the ocean if the world continues to warm. It is estimated that if
all of the Antarctic ice melted, sea levels around the world would rise about 61 meters.
(a) How does the global warming lead to the rise in sea level?
(2 marks)
(b) A student claims that the energy required to change all the ice in Antarctica to
0°C is less than the energy required to melt all the 0°C ice to water afterwards.
Briefly comment on his claim according to information given in the article.
Given that the specific heat capacity and the specific latent heat of fusion of ice
is 2100 J kg−1°C−1 and 3.34×105 J kg−1 respectively.
(4 marks)
Answer:

(a) The global warming leads to the thermal expansion of the ocean (1A) and the
melting of glaciers from landmasses (1A). Thus these result in a rise of sea level.
(b) The student is correct (1A). According to the article, the average temperature of
the ice in Antarctic is −40°C.
The energy needed to raise 1 kg of ice at −40°C to 0°C
= (2100)(40)(1) (1M)
= 8.4 × 10 J 4

While the energy needed to melt 1 kg of 0°C ice into one kilogram of 0°C water
= (3.34 × 105)(1) (1M)
= 3.34 × 105 J
Therefore the amount of energy used in changing 1 kg of ice at 0°C to 1 kg of
water at 0°C is larger. Thus the energy used in changing all the ice to water is
also larger (1A).

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 60

All rights reserved
NSS Physics in Life Question Bank
(Heat and Gases)

Code: 03L1D00
03L1D004,
3L1D004, Total marks: 6

Read the following article about heat stroke and answer the questions that follow.
The human body can maintain the internal body temperature within safe limits. In hot
environment, the temperature control centre in our body will trigger responses such as
sweating and increasing breathing rate to cool down the body. In the extremely hot
environment, when these responses cannot effectively cool down our body
temperature, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke will occur. When the body
temperature reaches 41 °C or higher, the victim will have convulsion or become
unconscious; he is then suffering from heat stroke.
Precautions for heat stroke
1. For indoor activities, open all windows, use fan or air-conditioning to maintain
good ventilation.
2. Avoid doing vigorous exercise in a hot or stuffy environment. Choose an indoor
venue with good ventilation.
3. Wear light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes, wide-brim hat or use umbrella
while going outdoors.
4. Do not go hiking during extremely hot weather.
5. Perform outdoor activities either in the morning or in the evening.
6. Drink plenty of fluid to prevent dehydration.
7. Do not stay inside stationary vehicles.
8. Seek medical advice immediately if feeling unwell.
Source: ‘What is Heat Stroke?’, Department of Health.
(a) Explain why sweating and increasing breathing rate can cool down the human
body.
(2 marks)
(b) Explain why wearing light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes helps to prevent
heat stroke.
(2 marks)
(c) Explain why we should avoid staying inside stationary vehicles.
(2 marks)
Answer:

(a) Latent heat of vaporization is absorbed from the body as sweat evaporates (1A).
As the breathing rate increases, more energy is required to warm up the air taken
into the lung (1A). Therefore, both processes can cool down the human body.
(b) Light-coloured clothes can reduce the absorption of radiation and help to prevent
overheat (1A). Loose-fitting clothes can facilitate convection and help to carry
heat away from the body (1A).
(c) Due to the lack of convection, the inside of a stationary vehicle is hot (1A). The
people inside have a relatively higher risk of suffering from heat stroke (1A).

 Pearson Education Asia Limited 2009 61

All rights reserved