PSLE Science Heat Transfer Ice Cubes Question – P4 Worked Solution

Source: P4 Science Question 4

Introduction

Understanding PSLE Science Heat Transfer Ice Cubes Question is important for mastering the Heat topic. Many students lose marks because they confuse temperature change with state change.

In this PSLE Science Heat Transfer Ice Cubes Question, we analyse heat transfer between a metal straw, ice cubes, and cold water — a classic PSLE exam scenario.

 

The Question

Rebecca added ice cubes and a metal straw at room temperature (30°C) into cold water (8°C).

Which observation is correct within the first 10 minutes?

Students must determine:

  • Temperature change of the metal straw
  • State change of ice cubes

 

Step-by-Step Explanation (Teacher Working)

Step 1 — Compare Temperatures

  • Metal straw = 30°C
  • Ice = 0°C
  • Cold water = 8°C

Heat flows from higher temperature → lower temperature

Step 2 — Heat Transfer Direction

Heat moves:
Metal Straw → Water → Ice Cubes

Step 3 — Effect on Metal Straw

Since straw loses heat → Temperature decreases

Step 4 — Effect on Ice Cubes

Ice receives heat → Changes from
Solid → Liquid (Melting)

Final Answer

✔ Straw temperature decreases
✔ Ice changes from solid to liquid
✔ Correct Option = Option 4

 

Key Concepts

Heat Transfer

Heat flows from hotter objects to colder objects.

State Change

Ice melts when heat is gained.

Temperature vs State

Temperature drop ≠ State change
Must analyse energy flow carefully.

 

Tips for Students

✔ Always compare temperatures first
✔ Remember heat flows hot → cold
✔ Ice melting means heat is gained
✔ Metal cools when losing heat

 

For Parents

This topic helps students develop:

  • Logical scientific reasoning
  • Data interpretation skills
  • PSLE exam answering techniques

Heat transfer questions are very common in PSLE exams.

 

Conclusion

This PSLE Science Heat Transfer Ice Cubes Question teaches students how to apply real heat transfer concepts in exam questions.

Always:

  • Compare temperatures
  • Track heat flow direction
  • Link heat transfer to state change

Mastering this PSLE Science Heat Transfer Ice Cubes Question improves PSLE exam confidence significantly.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Because heat flows from the warmer straw to the colder surroundings.

They gain heat energy from surrounding water and straw.

Students think ice makes water colder instead of analysing heat transfer direction.