Lesson T6.2.1

T6.2.1 Particles, temperature and internal energy Quiz: KS3 Physics, Unit 6

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson T6.2.1, Particles, temperature and internal energy: 20 multiple choice questions for the KS3 Physics (National Curriculum), Unit 6: Matter and particles, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. What physical quantity does the temperature of a substance directly measure?

    • Total internal energy
    • Total thermal mass
    • Average kinetic energy
    • Potential energy

  2. What happens to the speed of particles when a substance is heated?

    • Move faster
    • Stop completely
    • Maintain constant speed
    • Slow down

  3. What happens to particle spacing when most substances are heated?

    • Increases
    • Stays constant
    • Disappears entirely
    • Decreases

  4. What term describes the total energy stored in the particles of a substance?

    • Kinetic energy
    • Temperature
    • Latent heat
    • Internal energy

  5. What happens to the internal energy of a substance when heated?

    • Remains constant
    • Decreases
    • Increases
    • Drops to zero

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

    • Hotter to cooler
    • Cooler to hotter
    • In a circle
    • Only downwards

  7. What term describes two objects reaching the same temperature with no net energy flow?

    • Thermal equilibrium
    • Conduction
    • Absolute zero
    • Thermal expansion

  8. What happens to the temperature difference when a hot metal block is placed in cold water?

    • It reduces
    • It doubles
    • It increases
    • It stays constant

  9. How is thermal energy primarily transferred through a metal spoon?

    • Electromagnetic waves
    • Particle collisions
    • Chemical reactions
    • Fluid convection

  10. Which water sample has more internal energy if masses are equal?

    • Hotter water
    • Frozen water
    • Colder water
    • Both are equal

  11. How do particles in a solid behave when its temperature rises?

    • Expand into gas
    • Move around freely
    • Stop moving entirely
    • Vibrate more strongly

  12. What happens to gas pressure when heated in a sealed container?

    • Stays constant
    • Drops to zero
    • Decreases
    • Increases

  13. Why do metal bridges have gaps between their sections?

    • Allow expansion
    • Reduce weight
    • Allow drainage
    • Improve aesthetics

  14. Which particle change is directly linked to a rise in substance temperature?

    • Larger particle size
    • Fewer total particles
    • Higher average speed
    • Slower average speed

  15. What happens to the internal energy of water when it is heated?

    • Disappears
    • Increases
    • Decreases
    • Stays constant

  16. Which process reduces the internal energy of a substance?

    • Cooling down
    • Heating up
    • Boiling
    • Melting

  17. Why does thermal energy transfer slow down as two objects reach similar temperatures?

    • Increased friction
    • Larger mass difference
    • Higher air pressure
    • Smaller temperature difference

  18. What physical property do many liquid thermometers rely on to measure temperature?

    • Electrical resistance
    • Magnetic attraction
    • Chemical bonding
    • Liquid expansion

  19. In which direction does thermal energy flow when a hot cup of tea cools in a room?

    • Tea to table
    • Tea to air
    • Air to tea
    • Table to tea

  20. Why does metal feel colder than wood at the same room temperature?

    • Lower specific heat
    • Higher thermal conductivity
    • Greater mass density
    • Colder initial temperature

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