Core Concepts (Target: 'S' Pass)

• Define: What is the difference between heat and temperature?

• Identify: What happens to the temperature of water as it boils? Does it change?

• Name: Name the three methods of heat transfer.

• State: What is the unit for specific heat capacity?

• Recall: What is the term for the heat required to change a solid into a liquid at its melting point?

• Identify: Which method of heat transfer allows the sun's heat to reach the Earth?

Understanding & Application (Target: 'C' Pass)

• Explain: Why does a metal spoon in a cup of hot tea become hot? Name the primary method of heat transfer involved.

• Describe: Explain the principle of convection using the example of a sea breeze during the day.

• Compare: Why is a burn from steam at 100°C more severe than a burn from boiling water at 100°C? (Hint: Mention latent heat).

• Apply: Explain why gaps are left between sections of railway tracks. Relate this to a property of solids when heated.

• Explain: What is the difference between specific heat capacity and heat capacity?

Analysis & Higher-Order Thinking (Target: 'B' / 'A' Pass)

• Calculate: How much heat energy (in Joules) is needed to raise the temperature of 500g of water from 20°C to 100°C? (Specific heat capacity of water = 4200 J kg⁻¹ °C⁻¹).

• Justify: In cold countries, houses often have shiny silver foil behind their radiators (heaters). Explain how this helps to heat the room more efficiently, naming the relevant heat transfer process.

• Analyse: A bimetallic strip made of brass and steel is heated. Brass expands more than steel for the same temperature rise. Draw a diagram showing which way the strip will bend and explain your reasoning.

• Synthesize: Explain the difference between specific heat capacity and latent heat of fusion. How do both concepts apply when you heat a block of ice at -10°C until it becomes water at 20°C? Describe what happens at each stage.

O/L Exam Tip: The formula Q = mcθ is essential. Practice using it to find heat (Q), mass (m), specific heat capacity (c), or temperature change (θ). Understand that during a phase change (melting/boiling), the energy supplied goes into breaking bonds (latent heat), not raising the temperature.