AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Physics Paper 1 (Higher), June 2025: Question 2

11 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Extended Answer

Calculate the specific heat capacity of an aluminium block from given data, describe the experimental method to obtain these measurements, and identify reasons why insulation improves accuracy.

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Question

Question text

02 A student investigated the specific heat capacity of aluminium.

The student used an electric heater to increase the temperature of an

aluminium block.

The student measured the:

• mass of the block

• energy transferred to the block

• temperature change of the block.

Table 1 shows the results.

Table 1

Mass in kilograms 0.75

Energy transferred in joules 13 800

Temperature change in °C 20

02.1 Calculate the specific heat capacity of aluminium.

Use the Physics Equations Sheet.

[3 marks]

Specific heat capacity =7 J/kg °C

02.2 Describe a method the student could have used to obtain the results in Table 1.

[6 marks]

Extra space

02.3 Wrapping the aluminium block in insulation makes the value for the specific heat

capacity of aluminium more accurate.

Which are two reasons why?

[2 marks]

Tick ( ) two boxes.

The amount of wasted energy is less.

The energy transferred to the aluminium block is greater.

The insulation heats the aluminium block.

The power of the electric heater increases.

The temperature increase of the aluminium block is greater.

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme

Question 2

AO /

Question Answers Extra information Mark

Spec. Ref.

02.1 13 800 = 0.75 × c × 20 1 AO2

6.1.1.3

RPA14

13 800 1

c =

0.75 × 20

c = 920 (J/kg °C) – SCIENCE: TRILOGY – 8464/P1/1H –

AO /

Question Answers Mark

Spec. Ref.

02.2 Level 3: The method would lead to the production of a valid 5–6 AO1

outcome. The key steps are identified and logically sequenced. 6.1.1.3

RPA14

Level 2: The method would not necessarily lead to a valid 3–4

outcome. Most steps are identified, but the method is not fully

logically sequenced.

Level 1: The method would not lead to a valid outcome. Some 1–2

relevant steps are identified, but links are not made clear.

No relevant content 0

Indicative content

Mass

• use a top pan balance to measure mass of block

Energy transfer

• use a joulemeter to measure energy

• connect heater to a joulemeter

• measure initial energy and switch on

• switch off and measure final energy

• calculate the difference between initial and final energy

• use an ammeter, voltmeter and stopwatch

• calculate energy transferred

Temperature change

• use a thermometer to measure temperature

• measure the initial temperature

• measure the final temperature

• calculate the difference between initial and final temperature 9

for Level 3 answers must describe all three measurements– – 8464/P/1H –

AO /

Spec. Ref.

02.3 the amount of wasted energy is 1 AO3

less 6.1.1.3

6.1.2.1

the temperature increase of the 1 RPA14

aluminium block is greater

Total Question 2 11

How to answer it

Required Practical: Investigating Specific Heat Capacity

WHAT THIS QUESTION TESTS

This question assesses AQA Physics Required Practical 1 (RPA 14): determining the specific heat capacity of a material. You need to know how to calculate specific heat capacity using ΔE = m c Δθ , write a structured scientific method detailing all measuring instruments, and evaluate how insulation minimises thermal energy dissipation to increase accuracy.

PART 02.1 • 3 MARKS

Calculating Specific Heat Capacity

Calculate the specific heat capacity of aluminium using the values from Table 1.

📐 Step-by-Step Calculation

State the equation:
Change in thermal energy = mass × specific heat capacity × temperature change
ΔE = m × c × Δθ
Substitute the values:
13 800 = 0.75 × c × 20
Simplify and rearrange for c:
13 800 = 15 × c
c = 13 800 / (0.75 × 20) = 13 800 / 15
Calculate final answer:
c = 920 J/kg °C

❌ Common Errors & Traps

Rearrangement slip: Dividing (0.75 × 20) by 13 800 instead of dividing energy by (m × Δθ) .
Calculator bracket error: Typing 13800 ÷ 0.75 × 20 gives 368 000! You must use brackets: 13800 ÷ (0.75 × 20) .
Ignoring units: Table values are already in kg and J. Always check that mass is not in grams (g) before calculating!

Mark Scheme Breakdown:
[1 mark] Correct substitution into formula: 13 800 = 0.75 × c × 20
[1 mark] Correct rearrangement: c = 13 800 / (0.75 × 20)
[1 mark] Correct final value: 920 (J/kg °C)

PART 02.2 • 6 MARKS

Practical Method (Extended Response)

Describe a method the student could have used to obtain the results in Table 1.

✅ Model Answer (Level 3, 6 Marks)

1. Measure Mass:

Place the aluminium block on a top pan balance and record its mass in kilograms.

2. Measure Temperature Change:

Place a thermometer into the small hole in the block (add a few drops of oil for good thermal contact).
Measure and record the initial temperature of the block.
After heating, measure and record the final (maximum) temperature.
Calculate temperature change: Δθ = final temp - initial temp .

3. Measure Energy Transferred:

Insert the immersion heater into the block and connect it in series with a joulemeter and power supply.
Record the initial reading on the joulemeter, switch on the heater, then record the final reading when switched off.
Calculate energy supplied: ΔE = final reading - initial reading .
(Alternative: connect an ammeter, voltmeter, and timer, then calculate E = V × I × t).

🧠 Exam Technique: Securing Level 3 (5–6 Marks)

Rule of Three: To reach Level 3, you must include the apparatus and method for all three variables:
1. Mass
2. Energy transferred
3. Temperature change
Name the instruments: Never say "measure mass" without naming the balance, or "measure energy" without naming a joulemeter.
State initial & final: Examiners look for "initial and final readings" to find the difference for both energy and temperature.

Marking Bands:
• Level 3 (5–6 marks): Method would lead to a valid outcome. Key steps for all three measurements (mass, energy, temperature) are identified and logically sequenced.
• Level 2 (3–4 marks): Most steps identified, but misses one key measurement or is not fully sequenced.
• Level 1 (1–2 marks): Fragmented steps; some relevant equipment mentioned without clear links.

PART 02.3 • 2 MARKS

Evaluating Insulation & Accuracy

Wrapping the aluminium block in insulation makes the value for specific heat capacity more accurate. Which are two reasons why?

✅ Correct Selections

✔ The amount of wasted energy is less.
✔ The temperature increase of the aluminium block is greater.

💡 Scientific Reasoning

Without insulation, heat dissipates to the surrounding air by conduction, convection, and radiation.

Less wasted energy: Insulation traps thermal energy, ensuring more energy from the heater directly warms the block.
Higher temperature change: Because less energy escapes, the block achieves a larger temperature rise ( Δθ ) for the same joulemeter reading.
Result on calculated c: Since c = ΔE / (m × Δθ) , a higher Δθ prevents the calculated value of c from being falsely inflated.

❌ Incorrect Distractors

"The insulation heats the block" – Insulation does not generate energy; it only slows thermal transfer.
"The power of the heater increases" – Power depends purely on electrical voltage and current ( P = V × I ), not external insulation.
"Energy transferred to the block is greater" – The electrical energy delivered by the heater circuit is unchanged.

Mark Scheme Breakdown: [1 mark] for each correct box ticked. Maximum 2 marks. If more than 2 boxes are ticked, marks are deducted.

Topics

Physics · P1: Energy

Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy examination, Physics Paper 1 (Higher), June 2025. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.