Melting is when a substance changes from a solid state to a liquid state.

The melting point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from solid state to a liquid state.

Forces of attraction hold particles together.

In a solid state the particles are in a regular arrangement.

In a liquid state the particles are in a random arrangement.

Melting: particle model

Science

In the Heating and cooling (physics) unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn how the motion of particles in solids, liquids and gases changes when they are heated, how thermal conduction and insulation work and why heating different materials doesn’t always increase their temperatures by the same amount. 

In Y4 of primary science, pupils learnt about ‘solids, liquids and gases’ and changes of state.

Solid, liquid, gas states and changes of state

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

They move from a regular arrangement to a random arrangement

What happens to the arrangement of particles when a substance changes from the solid state to the liquid state?

Fill in the blank: At room temperature, water is in the {{}} state.

Particles are in fixed positions relative to each other

Which description best fits the term 'regular arrangement'?

Substance with weak forces of attraction between particles

Substance with moderate forces of attraction between particles

Substance with strong forces of attraction between particles

Arrange the following based on their melting points from lowest to highest: 

The melting point is a particular {{}} at which a substance changes from the solid state to the liquid state.

Why is the bulb of a thermometer made of very thin glass?

What is the state of matter where particles are closely packed in a fixed arrangement?

Which of the following is a common temperature measurement tool?

Arrange the following states of matter, based on the freedom of particle movement (from least to most):

Match the states of matter with their particle arrangements:

Fill in the blank: The change of a substance from solid state to liquid state is called {{}}.

Fill in the blank: In solids, the {{}} hold the particles together.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz