AQA · Physics · 8463

GCSE Physics: Energy changes in systems

Energy · AQA GCSE Physics (8463), specification point 4.1.1.3. Cards are generated from the exam board's own specification for "Energy changes in systems", and every card links back to the page it came from. Specification © AQA — used with attribution.

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  1. What is the equation for the change in thermal energy of a system as its temperature changes?

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    ΔE = m c Δθ (change in thermal energy = mass × specific heat capacity × temperature change).

  2. Change in thermal energy = mass × ? × temperature change.

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    specific heat capacity

  3. Define specific heat capacity.

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    The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of a substance by one degree Celsius.

  4. What is the SI unit of specific heat capacity?

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    Joules per kilogram per degree Celsius (J/kg °C).

  5. In ΔE = m c Δθ, what quantity does the symbol c represent?

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    Specific heat capacity, in J/kg °C.

  6. In ΔE = m c Δθ, what quantity does the symbol Δθ represent?

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    Temperature change, in degrees Celsius (°C).

  7. What unit must mass be in when using ΔE = m c Δθ?

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    Kilograms (kg).

  8. In ΔE = m c Δθ, what unit is ΔE measured in?

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    Joules (J).

  9. What does the specific heat capacity required practical aim to determine?

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    The specific heat capacity of one or more materials, by linking the decrease of one energy store (or work done) to the rise in temperature and thermal energy stored.

  10. Why does a substance with a higher specific heat capacity need more energy to warm up?

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    Because more joules are required per kilogram for each 1 °C rise, so for the same mass and temperature change ΔE = m c Δθ is larger.

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