CAPE Physics Unit 1 · 2008 · Paper 2 · Question 3(b)(ii)

Figure 2 shows an experimental setup to determine the boiling point of a liquid using a constant volume gas thermometer. The boiling point, t, on the empirical centigrade scale is given by t = 100 * (h - h₀) / (h₁₀₀ - h₀), where h₀, h₁₀₀, and h are heights of the mercury column at 0 °C, 100 °C, and t °C respectively.

Carefully explain how readings are taken to determine a) h₀, the height of the mercury column at 0 °C b) h₁₀₀, the height of the mercury column at 100 °C c) h, the height of the mercury column at t °C. d) Indicate on the diagram (Figure 2) where the height, h, is to be measured.

This question uses a figure or table from the paper — you'll see it when you practise.