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SingaporePhysics

Thermal Physics

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does the kinetic particle model explain the properties of solids, liquids, and gases?

Describe the kinetic particle model and use it to explain the states of matter and changes of state
A focused answer to the O-Level Physics outcome on the particle model. The arrangement, spacing, and motion of particles in solids, liquids, and gases, how this explains their properties, and changes of state.
7 min answer →

Why does the temperature stay constant while ice melts or water boils, even though heat is still being supplied?

Describe melting, boiling, and evaporation, and explain latent heat using the particle model
A focused answer to the O-Level Physics outcome on changes of state and latent heat. Why temperature stays constant during a change of state, the difference between boiling and evaporation, and latent heat in terms of particle bonds.
8 min answer →

What does temperature measure, and how is a thermometer calibrated?

Explain temperature as a measure of average particle energy and describe how a liquid-in-glass thermometer is calibrated
A focused answer to the O-Level Physics outcome on temperature. Temperature as a measure of how hot something is, thermal energy flow, the Celsius scale and fixed points, and how a liquid-in-glass thermometer works and is calibrated.
7 min answer →

Why do materials expand when heated, and why do different materials need different amounts of heat to warm up?

Explain thermal expansion and apply the specific heat capacity relationship to heating calculations
A focused answer to the O-Level Physics outcome on thermal expansion and heat capacity. Why solids, liquids, and gases expand when heated, everyday consequences, and the relationship linking heat, mass, specific heat capacity, and temperature change.
8 min answer →