Lesson T1.1.3

T1.1.3 Insulation and thermal equilibrium Quiz: KS3 Physics, Unit 1

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson T1.1.3, Insulation and thermal equilibrium: 20 multiple choice questions for the KS3 Physics (National Curriculum), Unit 1: Energy, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. What term describes two objects that have reached the same temperature?

    • Specific heat
    • Thermal expansion
    • Thermal equilibrium
    • Absolute zero

  2. Why do wool jumpers help keep us warm in winter?

    • Fibre absorbs cold
    • Trapped air insulates
    • Wool creates heat
    • Wool reflects sweat

  3. Which material is a good thermal insulator?

    • Steel wire
    • Aluminium foil
    • Expanded polystyrene
    • Copper sheet

  4. In which direction does thermal energy naturally flow between touching objects?

    • Upwards only
    • Randomly each way
    • Hotter to cooler
    • Cooler to hotter

  5. How does loft insulation reduce a home's heating energy loss?

    • Trapping pocketed air
    • Generating extra heat
    • Reflecting sunlight
    • Absorbing draughts

  6. What eventually happens to a hot cup of tea left in a room?

    • Boils away completely
    • Cool room temperature
    • Remains boiling hot
    • Freezes solid

  7. Why are double-glazed windows better insulators than single glass panes?

    • Trapped air layer
    • Vacuum inside glass
    • Thicker glass panes
    • Glass blocks conduction

  8. Which property is most important for a good thermal insulator?

    • Low thermal conductivity
    • High electrical conductivity
    • High density
    • A bright colour

  9. Which way does thermal energy flow when a cool drink is poured over ice?

    • From surrounding air
    • Drink into ice
    • Upwards into glass
    • Ice into drink

  10. Why is a thick duvet effective at keeping a person warm?

    • Traps insulating air
    • Produces body heat
    • Reflects cold air
    • Stops blood flow

  11. What is true when two touching metal blocks reach thermal equilibrium?

    • Equal masses
    • Equal temperatures
    • Zero internal energy
    • Continuous heat flow

  12. Why do builders place insulating material inside cavity walls?

    • Reduce heat transfer
    • Improve wall strength
    • Block sound waves
    • Increase wall weight

  13. A vacuum flask reduces heat transfer. Which two transfers does its vacuum mainly reduce?

    • Radiation and magnetism
    • Conduction and electricity
    • Convection and friction
    • Conduction and convection

  14. Why does a metal table feel colder than a wooden table at room temperature?

    • It is actually colder
    • Higher thermal conductivity
    • Lower thermal conductivity
    • It creates coldness

  15. Which measure tells you how quickly thermal energy passes through a material?

    • Electrical resistance
    • Thermal conductivity
    • Density
    • Melting point

  16. What happens to the temperatures of two objects in thermal equilibrium?

    • Both increase
    • Both decrease
    • Oscillate endlessly
    • Remain constant

  17. Why is aluminium foil a poor thermal insulator?

    • It is transparent
    • It absorbs light
    • It melts easily
    • It conducts heat

  18. What is the best way to reduce energy loss through gaps around doors?

    • Painting the door
    • Adding foil behind
    • Using double glazing
    • Fitting a draught excluder

  19. Thermal energy transfers from a hot bar into cold water until what happens?

    • Energy transfer stops immediately
    • Same temperature reached
    • Water turns to steam
    • Bar becomes absolute zero

  20. Which feature makes a cool box best at keeping food cold?

    • Thick foam layer
    • Open mesh screen
    • Shiny black plastic
    • Thin copper sheet

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