These are done to find a baseline set of results to which others can be compared.

The variable that is changed during an experiment.

The variable that is measured or observed during an experiment; it changes as a result of varying the independent variable.

These are factors that need to be kept constant in an experiment for the test to be fair.

Effective insulation

Combined science

In the Nuclear physics unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to learn about subatomic particles, unstable nuclei, radioactive decay, ionising radiation and radioactive half-life.

In the Particle explanations of density and pressure unit, pupils learnt how the arrangement and movement of particles in solids, liquids and gases explain density, pressure, floating and convection.

This unit covers energy changes in systems due to heating, forces, and electrical work. It explains reducing energy transfer via insulation, specific heat capacity, and latent heat. Emphasis is on calculations, planning experiments, data interpretation, and evaluating methods.

Energy of moving particles

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

used to find a baseline results to which others can be compared

its values are selected by the experimenter

it's values are measured to get a set of results

kept constant in an experiment for the test to be fair

Match the following key words or phrases to their definitions.

The highest temperature that can be measured is 0.5°C.

The lowest temperature that can be measured is 0.5°C.

The smallest change in temperature that can be measured is 0.5°C.

The temperature will decrease by 0.5°C each second.

The temperature will increase by 0.5°C each second.

A thermometer with a resolution of 0.5°C is used in a cooling experiment. What does this resolution mean?

To reduce energy transfer by convection currents.

To stop the thermometer from falling out.

To prevent energy being transferred to water by radiation.

To control the starting temperature of the water.

Why is a cardboard lid used to cover a beaker of water during an experiment to compare insulators?

keeping the type of the insulation the same

keeping the thickness of the insulation the same

keeping the starting temperature the same

keeping the mass of the insulation the same

keeping the time allowed for cooling the same

For a fair test of insulating materials, the ‘amount’ of insulator used should be kept the same for each type.
Which of these are ways of controlling the ‘amount’ of insulation used fairly?

the biggest change in temperature in ten minutes

the smallest change in temperature in ten minutes

the smallest fall in temperature each minute

the greatest fall in temperature each minute

A pupil tests different insulating materials by insulating a container of hot water and monitoring its temperature over time. How will they conclude which is the best insulator?

Adding more layers has no effect on cooling.

The change in temperature is proportional to the number of layers.

The effectiveness of each additional layer increases.

The effectiveness of each additional layer decreases.

The temperature of hot water fell by 25°C over 6 minutes with 0 layers of insulation, 15°C with 1 layer, 10°C with 2 layers, and 8°C with 3 layers.
What conclusions can be made?

Match the following temperatures to their description.

Which of the following materials is the best thermal insulator?

It is a good thermal conductor and transfers energy quickly.

It does not get hot when heated and so the pan can be handled safely.

Why is copper a good choice for the base of a frying pan?

Wool produces heat when in contact with the body.

Wool traps air which is a good thermal insulator.

Wool is a good thermal conductor and lets the heat in.

Wool is soft, this makes it comfortable to wear.

Wool has holes that lets the air travel freely through it.

Wool is used in some clothing. Why is wool good at keeping a person warm?

Which of the following particles make metals good thermal conductors?

One of the objects must be hotter than the other.

One of the objects must be colder than the other.

The two objects must be thermal conductors.

The objects must be at the same temperature.

What is the condition needed for two objects to be in thermal equilibrium?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz