GCSE Physics equations practice
Select a relationship from the equation sheet, rearrange it and calculate with the right units.
Specific heat capacity and latent heat questions
Calculate heating energy, temperature rise and changes of state; analyse electrical heating and stated energy losses.
Practise
Temperature riseTransfer 1600 J to 0.2 kg of a substance with specific heat capacity 500 J kg⁻¹ °C⁻¹. There is no change of state. Find the temperature rise. Give your answer to 3 significant figures.
Treat the given values as exact unless an uncertainty is stated.
Hint
Use Δθ = E/(mc).
Worked solution
- Δθ = 1600 / (0.2 × 500) °C.
- Answer: 16.0 °C (3 significant figures).
Question type: Temperature rise
Report a problem
Foundation and Higher: this set covers content common to both tiers. Some calculations need several steps.
Heating and changes of state
Use E = mcΔθ when temperature changes without a change of state. Use E = mL for a change of state at constant temperature. Specific heat capacity is measured in J kg⁻¹ °C⁻¹; specific latent heat in J kg⁻¹. Electrical input Pt may include energy transferred to the surroundings and apparatus. Only treat it as energy gained by the sample when the question states that assumption.
Work through the practical method and sample results
GCSE scope
AQA 8463: 4.1.1.3; 4.3.2.2–3; required practical 1 (selected); OCR Gateway J249: P1.2d–f; PM1.2i–ii; PAG P5 (selected). Tasks cover the selected skills listed above.