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Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics · A2 · extended response

Molecular interpretation of a heated gas

A Level extension · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.

Demand
demanding
Marks
12
Topics
2
Answer
Complete
Question12 marks

A rigid vessel contains 0.80 mol monatomic ideal gas at 300 K and is heated to 450 K. Use R = 8.31 J/(mol K), Nₐ = 6.02 × 10²³ mol⁻¹. (a) Find ΔU using U = 3nRT/2. (b) Find molecule number. (c) Find rms-speed factor. (d) Find pressure factor and explain molecularly. (e) Explain zero boundary work and contrast constant-pressure heating.

Task interpretation

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Organise the response into a logical argument, linking the physics principle to the evidence and conclusion.

Split the problem into linked stages and state why each relationship applies.

Response type
extended response
Allocation
12 marks
Demand
demanding
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