O-Level Chemistry Thermal & Calorimetry Investigations

TL;DR
Paper 3 regularly probes exothermic/endothermic reactions via temperature tracking, and the SEAB syllabus notes candidates are expected to be familiar with data-loggers in practical contexts.
Planning marks rely on setting up insulated apparatus, identifying key variables, and referencing the polystyrene cup equipment on SEAB's apparatus list.
To unlock MMO/PDO/ACE marks, record temperatures at consistent intervals, extrapolate maximum temperature changes, quote uncertainties, and recommend refinements to reduce heat loss.

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Use our O-Level Chemistry Experiments hub to keep this drill aligned with the rest of your Paper 3 practice set.

1 | Thermal experiments in the syllabus

• SEAB's Paper 3 techniques include “speeds of reaction that may involve measuring of quantities, e.g. temperature,” and the apparatus list explicitly features a polystyrene (or plastic) cup of ~150 cm³ for calorimetry (SEAB 2026 syllabus, pp. 27  -  28).
• Planning, MMO, PDO, and ACE descriptors require candidates to design controlled methods, take precise readings, present data effectively, and evaluate errors (