Temperature scales
Cambridge A-Level Physics (9702) · Unit 14: Temperature · 7 flashcards
Temperature scales is topic 14.2 in the Cambridge A-Level Physics (9702) syllabus , positioned in Unit 14 — Temperature , alongside Thermal equilibrium and Specific heat capacity and specific latent heat. In one line: A physical property that changes with temperature can be used for measurement. Examples include the density of a liquid, the volume of a gas at constant pressure, the resistance of a metal, or the e.m.f. of a thermocouple.
Marked as A2 Level: examined at A Level in Paper 4 (A Level Structured Questions) and Paper 5 (Planning, Analysis and Evaluation). It is not tested on the AS-only papers (Papers 1, 2 and 3).
The deck below contains 7 flashcards — 2 definitions, 3 key concepts and 2 calculations — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward. Use the 2 definition cards to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and calculation cards to handle explain, describe, calculate and compare questions.
Physical property that can be used to measure temperature
A physical property that changes with temperature can be used for measurement. Examples include the density of a liquid, the volume of a gas at constant pressure, the resistance of a metal, or the e.m.f. of a thermocouple.
What the Cambridge 9702 syllabus says
2025-2027 syllabus, in our words · A2 LevelWhat the syllabus expects you to be able to do in this topic, in plain English. For the exact wording, see the official syllabus (PDF).
- Understand that any physical property that changes with temperature can be used to measure temperature, and state examples: a liquid's density, a gas's volume at constant pressure, a metal's resistance and a thermocouple's e.m.f.
- Understand that the thermodynamic temperature scale is independent of the properties of any one substance.
- Convert between degrees Celsius and kelvin, recalling the relation T/K = θ/°C + 273.15.
- Understand that zero kelvin, called absolute zero, is the lowest temperature possible on the thermodynamic scale.
Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers
These are the official Cambridge 9702 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.
What is a physical property that can be used to measure temperature?
A physical property that changes with temperature can be used for measurement. Examples include the density of a liquid, the volume of a gas at constant pressure, the resistance of a metal, or the e.m.f. of a thermocouple.
What does it mean for a temperature scale to be 'thermodynamic'?
A thermodynamic temperature scale is independent of the physical properties of any particular substance. It is based on fundamental thermodynamic principles, providing a universal standard for temperature measurement.
Give the formula for converting Celsius to Kelvin.
T / K = θ / °C + 273.15. This formula is used to convert a temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) to Kelvin (K).
Convert 25°C to Kelvin.
T / K = 25 + 273.15 = 298.15 K. Therefore, 25 degrees Celsius is equal to 298.15 Kelvin.
What is absolute zero?
Absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature, corresponding to zero Kelvin (0 K). At this temperature, all particle motion ceases (theoretically).
Why is the resistance of a metal a suitable property for measuring temperature?
The resistance of a metal changes predictably and measurably with temperature. This allows for precise temperature measurement using a resistance thermometer.
What is the significance of absolute zero on the thermodynamic temperature scale?
Absolute zero represents the point at which a system has minimal thermal energy. It is a fundamental lower limit, essential for calculations and understanding thermodynamic processes.
Review the material
Read full revision notes on Temperature scales — definitions, equations, common mistakes, and exam tips.
Read NotesMore topics in Unit 14 — Temperature
Temperature scales sits alongside these A-Level Physics decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
Key terms covered in this Temperature scales deck
Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.
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