CAIE IGCSE Physics: Thermal Expansion Question Bank

Practise describing how solids, liquids and gases expand or contract, using thermometers, metal plates and heated liquids.

Exam points

identify volume or liquid-thread length as the changing property in liquid-in-glass thermometers
predict how heating or cooling changes a metal plate, hole diameter, liquid volume or density
explain liquid expansion by increased molecular speed and greater particle separation

[Maximum number: 5]

(a)

A glass tube passes through a stopper and into a glass flask. Fig. 4.1 shows that the flask is completely full of a liquid and that there is also some liquid in the tube.

Fig. 4.1

The flask is immersed in a large beaker of very hot water. At first, the level of the liquid in the tube falls, but after a short time it rises.

[ 5 ]

(i)

Explain why, at first, the level of the liquid in the tube falls.

[ 3 ]

(ii)

Explain why the liquid level in the tube stops falling and starts to rise.

[ 2 ]

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2.2.1.1—Qualitatively the thermal expansion of question 1

Question (a)

Question (i)

Question (ii)