Transfer of thermal energy: past paper questions

Where the questions come from

• Question 14Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  One end of a shiny metal rod is heated, and the other end quickly gets hot. Which statement describes why the other end quickly gets hot?

  Try this question
• Question 15Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  A student has two blocks of metal, X and Y. The temperature of X is $50{}^{\circ }\text{C}$ and the temperature of Y is $0{}^{\circ }\text{C}$. The two blocks are placed in contact with each other, as shown. After some time, both blocks have a temperature of $25{}^{\circ }\text{C}$.

  Try this question
• Question 17May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Four spheres have different surface textures and colours. All of the spheres are at the same temperature. Which sphere emits infrared radiation at the greatest rate?

  Try this question
• Question 15Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Vacuum flasks usually have silvered walls that help to keep the contents of the flask hot. Why are the walls silvered?

  Try this question
• Question 16Oct/Nov 2024, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  There is a vacuum between the double walls of a vacuum flask. Which types of thermal transfer are reduced by the vacuum?

  Try this question
• Question 16Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows the view of a room heated by a radiator. The arrowed line from X to Y is the path of the convection current in the air. Which row about the air temperature and the air density at X and at Y is correct?

  Try this question
• Question 16May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Convection is an important method of thermal energy transfer. In which states of matter does convection occur?

  Try this question
• Question 16Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The temperature of the air in the atmosphere around us increases. Which row describes the change in the density of the air and which form of thermal energy transfer occurs as a result of this change?

  Try this question
• Question 16Oct/Nov 2024, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows a vacuum flask used to keep liquid hot. How does thermal energy pass through the vacuum?

  Try this question
• Question 17May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows a vacuum flask used to keep a liquid warm. Which methods of heat loss are reduced by the vacuum between the silvered walls?

  Try this question
• Question 15Oct/Nov 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Rods of the same shape and size are inserted through corks into an empty tank. Each rod is covered with a layer of solid wax that has a low melting point. Hot water is added to the tank, as shown.

  Try this question
• Question 16Oct/Nov 2024, paper 22Multiple choice1 mark

  Which statement about the transfer of thermal energy is correct?

  Try this question
• Question 16Oct/Nov 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Which method of thermal transfer occurs when the density of some of a liquid decreases and the liquid moves upwards?

  Try this question
• Question 16Oct/Nov 2024, paper 23Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  A glass test-tube containing water is heated at the top. The water at the top boils, but the water at the bottom remains cold. Which row explains why the water at the bottom of the test-tube remains cold?

  Try this question
• Question 17Oct/Nov 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Which surface is the best reflector of infrared radiation?

  Try this question
• Question 6Oct/Nov 2024, paper 32Structured7 marksHas a diagram

  Fig. 6.1 shows a wood burner in a cabin. The wood burner keeps the inside of the cabin warm when it is cold outside. Explain how thermal energy from the wood burner warms the cabin by convection.

  Try this question
• Question 14May/June 2026, paper 21Multiple choice1 mark

  On a cold day, a shiny metal rod feels colder to the touch than a black plastic rod. Which statement explains this observation?

  Try this question
• Question 16Oct/Nov 2025, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows a hot-water tank. The tank has a heater, X, halfway up the tank. Heater X is switched on.

  Try this question
• Question 5Oct/Nov 2024, paper 33Structured10 marksHas a diagram

  Table 5.1 defines three specific temperatures. Complete Table 5.1 by writing the correct temperature for each definition.

  Try this question
• Question 15May/June 2026, paper 21Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows a coal fire heating a room. The arrows X, Y and Z represent three methods of thermal energy transfer. Which row matches a description of a method of thermal energy transfer to the arrow in the diagram representing this transfer?

  Try this question
• Question 17Oct/Nov 2025, paper 13Multiple choice1 mark

  The handle of a metal cooking pan is made from wood. What is a reason for making the handle from wood?

  Try this question
• Question 5Oct/Nov 2024, paper 42Structured6 marks

  On a sunny day, the temperatures of a black tarmac road and the air above the road increase. Explain why the surface temperature of the tarmac increases.

  Try this question
• Question 3Oct/Nov 2023, paper 31Structured10 marksHas a diagram

  Fig. 3.1 represents the arrangement and separation of particles in a liquid. Each circle represents a particle. In the box in Fig. 3.2, draw at least four circles to show the arrangement and separation of particles in a gas.

  Try this question
• Question 16May/June 2026, paper 21Multiple choice1 mark

  Which thermal process can transfer energy through a vacuum?

  Try this question
• Question 14Oct/Nov 2025, paper 21Multiple choice1 mark

  Which statement about convection is not correct?

  Try this question
• Question 3Oct/Nov 2024, paper 43Structured8 marksHas a diagram

  Fig. 3.1 shows a portable shower used on a campsite. The bag is filled with water. The water is heated using infrared radiation from the Sun.

  Try this question
• Question 6Oct/Nov 2023, paper 32Structured6 marksHas a diagram

  Fig. 6.1 shows a cold drink in a thermal jug. The jug reduces thermal energy transfer from the surroundings to the drink. State the names of the two processes of thermal energy transfer that are prevented by the vacuum.

  Try this question
• Question 15Oct/Nov 2025, paper 21Multiple choice1 mark

  Iron is a better conductor of thermal energy than rubber. Which statement explains this?

  Try this question
• Question 15May/June 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  In which situation is radiation the main method by which energy is transferred?

  Try this question
• Question 4Oct/Nov 2023, paper 33Structured8 marksHas a diagram

  Fig. 4.1 shows a pan on a hotplate. The hotplate heats the pan and the water. Use your ideas about thermal energy transfer to explain why the pan has: a wooden handle

  Try this question