P1, Chapter 1

Answers Marks

1 When a fluid is heated it expands, becomes less dense, and rises. The warm 3
fluid is replaced by cooler, denser, fluid. The resulting convection current
transfers energy throughout the
fluid.

2 a A solid has a fixed shape and a fixed volume. 1

b A liquid has a fixed volume but not a fixed shape. 1
c A gas has neither a fixed shape nor a fixed volume. 1
d Fluids are liquids or gases. 1
e The particles in a solid vibrate about fixed positions. 1

3 a conduction 1
b E mc θ 3
E = 1.3 kg x 380 J/kg °C x 20 °C
E = 9880 J
4 a A matt black surface is a very good absorber of infrared compared to light, 2
shiny surfaces.

b Shiny metal. Shiny surfaces are poor emitters of infrared. Matt black 2
surfaces are good emitters of infrared.
5 a i The higher the wind speed, the greater the rate of evaporation. 1
ii The higher the temperature, the greater the rate of evaporation. 1
iii The higher the humidity, the slower the rate of evaporation. 1
b The most energetic molecules leave the surface of the liquid, so the average 3
kinetic energy of the remaining molecules is less. The temperature depends
on the average kinetic energy, so it is reduced.

6 a There is more glass and glass is a good insulator. The air between the 2
glass is a good insulator.

Marks awarded for this answer will be determined by the Quality of Written 5-6
Communication (QWC) as well as the standard of the scientific response.
There is a clear, balanced and detailed description of the similarities and
differences in conduction in metals and non-metals. The answer shows almost
faultless spelling, punctuation and grammar. It is coherent and in an organised,
logical sequence. It contains a range of appropriate or relevant specialist terms
used accurately.

There is a description of a range of similarities and differences in conduction in 3-4

metals and non-metals. There are some errors in spelling, punctuation and
grammar. The answer has some structure and organisation. The use of
specialist terms has been attempted, but not always accurately.

There is a brief description of at least one similarity or difference, which has

New AQA GCSE Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011 1

 P1, Chapter 1

Answers Marks

little clarity and detail. The spelling, punctuation and grammar are very weak. 1-2
The answer is poorly organised with almost no specialist terms and/or their
use demonstrating a general lack of understanding of their meaning.

No relevant content.
0

Examples of physics points made in the response:

Similarities:
• involve particles
• atoms vibrate, causing neighbouring atoms to vibrate, so energy is passed
along.

Differences:
• metals have free electrons.
• these collide with other free electrons and ions, passing energy along
• this process much more effective, so metals are better conductors.

New AQA GCSE Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011 2