O-Level Physics Thermal Practical Handbook (Energy Transfer & Calorimetry)

TL;DR
SEAB’s 2026 6091 syllabus calls out energy-transfer investigations, heat-capacity measurements, and latent-heat determinations as recurring Paper 3 tasks (SEAB syllabus).
Planning marks emphasise insulation strategy, control variables (initial temperature, mass, heating duration), and quantified safety precautions.
ACE marks depend on energy-balance calculations, justified assumptions (no heat loss, constant specific heat), and realistic improvements such as better insulation or stirrer upgrades.

1 | Thermal experiments highlighted by SEAB

• Item 7 requires you to investigate factors affecting energy transfer through conduction, convection, or radiation - expect comparative setups (shiny vs dull, thick vs thin insulation) (SEAB 2026 Physics syllabus).
• Items 8 and 9 mandate calorimetry routines: determining heat capacities and latent heat of substances, often via electrical heating coils or steam condensation (SEAB 2026 Physics syllabus).
• Thermal tasks commonly embed partial planning prompts, so rehearse variable identification, insulation controls, and risk commentary (hot water, electrical heaters).