Physics

Thermal Properties of Matter

302 Questions

Thermal properties of matter examine how substances react to heat, covering concepts like temperature, specific heat, and phase changes. This topic is regularly tested in the physics and general science sections of competitive exams. Use this collection to solve numericals on heat transfer, thermal equilibrium, and melting points.

Heat transfer and mixingMelting and freezing pointsThermal expansion and densityTriple point of waterCarnot cycle applications

Thermal Properties of Matter Questions

Multiple choice chemistry metals reaction of metals reactions of metals chemical properties of metals

The piece of sodium melts in water at:

  1. $98^oC$
  2. $97.8^oC$
  3. $93^oC$
  4. $97^oC$
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The piece of sodium melts in water at, $\displaystyle 97.8^oC$
Sodium reacts with cold water and gives sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
$\displaystyle 2Na + 2H _2O \rightarrow 2NaOH + H _2$
The reaction is exothermic and releases the heat. The heat released melts Na. Then Na may disappear.  
The heat may burn hydrogen with an orange flame.

Multiple choice

What is the density of ice in glaciers?

  1. 0.917 g/cm^3

  2. 0.934 g/cm^3

  3. 0.958 g/cm^3

  4. 0.981 g/cm^3
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The density of ice in glaciers is typically around 0.917 g/cm^3.

Multiple choice

The Saha equation is used to study:

  1. Nuclear reactions in stars

  2. Black hole formation

  3. Supernova explosions

  4. Planetary atmospheres
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Saha equation is primarily used to study the ionization and excitation of atoms and ions in stellar atmospheres, providing insights into the nuclear reactions occurring within stars.

Multiple choice

What is the approximate temperature difference required between the warm surface waters and the cold deep waters for OTEC to be feasible?

  1. 5-10 °C

  2. 15-20 °C

  3. 25-30 °C

  4. 35-40 °C
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
Correct answer
Explanation

The approximate temperature difference required between the warm surface waters and the cold deep waters for OTEC to be feasible is 20-25 °C.

Multiple choice

What is the specific heat of seawater?

  1. 1.0 J/g °C

  2. 4.18 J/g °C

  3. 3.9 J/g °C

  4. 2.1 J/g °C
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The specific heat of seawater is approximately 3.9 J/g °C, which means it takes 3.9 joules of energy to raise the temperature of one gram of seawater by one degree Celsius.

Multiple choice

What is the specific heat of seawater at a salinity of 35 parts per thousand (ppt)?

  1. 3.9 J/g °C

  2. 4.0 J/g °C

  3. 4.1 J/g °C

  4. 4.2 J/g °C
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

At a salinity of 35 ppt, the specific heat of seawater is approximately 4.0 J/g °C.

Multiple choice

What is the approximate specific heat of seawater at a temperature of 20 °C and a salinity of 35 ppt?

  1. 3.95 J/g °C

  2. 4.05 J/g °C

  3. 4.15 J/g °C

  4. 4.25 J/g °C
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The specific heat of seawater at 20 °C and a salinity of 35 ppt is approximately 4.05 J/g °C.

Multiple choice

Which physical parameter of water is measured in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit?

  1. pH

  2. Turbidity

  3. Temperature

  4. Electrical Conductivity
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Temperature is a physical parameter of water that measures the degree of hotness or coldness and is expressed in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.

Multiple choice

What is the freezing point of pure water?

  1. 0 °C

  2. 1 °C

  3. 2 °C

  4. 3 °C
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The freezing point of pure water is 0 °C or 32 °F.

Multiple choice

What is the freezing point of seawater with a salinity of 35 parts per thousand (ppt)?

  1. -1.8 °C

  2. -1.9 °C

  3. -2.0 °C

  4. -2.1 °C
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The freezing point of seawater with a salinity of 35 ppt is -1.8 °C or 28.8 °F.

Multiple choice

What is the freezing point of seawater at a depth of 1000 meters?

  1. -1.9 °C

  2. -2.0 °C

  3. -2.1 °C

  4. -2.2 °C
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The freezing point of seawater at a depth of 1000 meters is -2.1 °C or 28.2 °F.

Multiple choice

What is the freezing point of seawater in the Arctic Ocean?

  1. -1.5 °C

  2. -1.6 °C

  3. -1.7 °C

  4. -1.8 °C
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The freezing point of seawater in the Arctic Ocean is -1.8 °C or 28.8 °F.

Multiple choice

What is the freezing point of seawater in the Antarctic Ocean?

  1. -1.9 °C

  2. -2.0 °C

  3. -2.1 °C

  4. -2.2 °C
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The freezing point of seawater in the Antarctic Ocean is -2.1 °C or 28.2 °F.