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Internal energy and absolute zeroEdexcel A-Level Physics: Mind map

Internal energy
Temperature

Internal energy and absolute zero

Molecular energy

UT ∝ mean KE0 K
Absolute zero
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Exam questions on Internal energy and absolute zero

  1. A fixed mass of an ideal gas is sealed in a rigid container and heated from 27 °C to 327 °C. Take 0 °C as 273 K.
    The gas is cooled from 27 °C until the mean kinetic energy of its molecules is half its original value. Calculate the new temperature in °C.2 marks
  2. A 0.20 kg block of ice at −20 °C is supplied with energy at a steady rate until it has all melted and the water has then warmed to 20 °C. Take 0 °C as 273 K.
    Explain why the temperature of the ice stays at 0 °C while it is melting, even though energy is still being supplied.2 marks
  3. In a physics demonstration, a sample of an ideal gas is cooled towards absolute zero. Take 0 °C as 273 K.
    Explain what is meant by absolute zero, and why there cannot be a temperature below 0 K.3 marks
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Written by the Exaim team, led by Shaun Daswani (Head of Upper Secondary, Improve ME Institute; MSc Financial Mathematics, Imperial College London; BSc, UCL) and Jason Daswani (operational lead, Improve ME Institute; LSE).