Edexcel IGCSE Physics 5.11P Change-of-State Practical
Practise obtaining and interpreting temperature–time graphs with a constant-temperature plateau during a change of state.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2019
- Course
- Physics 4PH1
Practise obtaining and interpreting temperature–time graphs with a constant-temperature plateau during a change of state.
This question is about specific heat capacity.
After finishing the experiment, the student removes the aluminium block and places the container of water into a freezer.
The water loses energy at a constant rate and cools from 38∘C to −20∘C.
The water freezes and turns into ice at 0∘C.
Ice has a lower specific heat capacity than water.
Use the axes to sketch a temperature-time graph from when the water is placed in the freezer until it reaches its lowest temperature.
No calculations are required.

Marking points:
- line has two downward sloping sections of different gradient
- horizontal line at 0∘C between the downward sloping sections
- line starts at 38∘C and finishes at −20∘C
- initial downward sloping line has smaller gradient than final downward sloping line
Ignore:
- where lines intersect the time axis
- start or finish time
Marking guidance:
- Sections do not need to be straight, but one must be clearly steeper than the other.
- Reject the horizontal-line marking point if there is more than one horizontal line lower than 38∘C and higher than −20∘C.
- Judged by eye.
- Responses with initial and final downward sections parallel by eye can only score the horizontal-line and start/finish marking points.