CIE iGCSE Co-Ordinated Science P2.2.1 Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases Exam Style Questions Paper 2
▶️ Answer/Explanation
A large bulb holds more liquid, so a given temperature rise causes a bigger volume expansion, giving a larger response.
A narrow tube means that same volume of expanded liquid has to travel further up the tube, producing a longer, more visible column movement.
Combining a large bulb with a narrow tube therefore gives the greatest, most easily read change for a small temperature change — the most sensitive thermometer.
✅ Answer: (B)
A narrow tube means that same volume of expanded liquid has to travel further up the tube, producing a longer, more visible column movement.
Combining a large bulb with a narrow tube therefore gives the greatest, most easily read change for a small temperature change — the most sensitive thermometer.
✅ Answer: (B)
▶️ Answer/Explanation
In a solid, particles are held tightly in fixed positions by strong forces, so heating only causes small increases in vibration and expansion.
In a liquid, particles are more loosely arranged and can move past each other, allowing for greater expansion than a solid for the same temperature rise.
Gas particles are far apart and move freely with weak forces between them, so they expand by far the greatest amount when heated, since their spacing increases much more easily.
✅ Answer: (A)
In a liquid, particles are more loosely arranged and can move past each other, allowing for greater expansion than a solid for the same temperature rise.
Gas particles are far apart and move freely with weak forces between them, so they expand by far the greatest amount when heated, since their spacing increases much more easily.
✅ Answer: (A)
Question
What is meant by the sensitivity of a liquid-in-glass thermometer?
A. how quickly the thermometer shows a change in temperature
B. the accuracy of the thermometer
C. the amount of change in the length of the liquid column per degree Celsius temperature rise
D. the difference between the maximum and the minimum temperatures that the thermometer can measure
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: C
Explanation: Sensitivity refers to the change in the length of the liquid column per degree Celsius temperature rise. A more sensitive thermometer will show a larger change in the liquid column for a small change in temperature.