Question detail

When heating a substance, what happens to its thermal energy?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Energy changes in a system, and the ways energy is stored before and after such changes

Question

  1. A. It decreases as the temperature rises
  2. B. It remains constant
  3. C. It increases as the temperature rises
  4. D. It fluctuates randomly

Answer

It increases as the temperature rises

Explanation

The correct option is "It increases as the temperature rises". It increases as the temperature rises is right because it directly matches Energy changes in systems: Apply the equation change in thermal energy = mass x specific heat capacity x temperature change.. The other options are less suitable because they change the required Physics relationship, confuse the relevant energy store or use a distractor that does not answer the question.

Common mistake

Misunderstanding Thermal Energy Changes

Students often confuse the equation for change in thermal energy with the equation for specific heat capacity, forgetting to multiply by temperature change.

To fix this, remember that the equation is change in thermal energy = mass x specific heat capacity x temperature change. Ensure you include all three components in your calculations.

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