New
New
Year 10
•
AQA
•
Higher
The particle model
I can describe the particle model of matter and how it explains the properties of solids, liquids, and gases.
New
New
Year 10
•
AQA
•
Higher
The particle model
I can describe the particle model of matter and how it explains the properties of solids, liquids, and gases.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- There are three states of matter: solid state, liquid state, and gas state.
- A substance in the gas state can be compressed because there is empty space between the particles.
- A substance in the liquid or solid state cannot be compressed because the particles are already touching.
- A substance in the gas or liquid state has no fixed shape as the particles can move past each other.
- A substance in the solid state will not flow because the particles vibrate in a fixed position.
Keywords
States of matter - The states of matter are used to describe the three physical states that matter commonly exists in: the solid state, liquid state and the gas state.
Particle model - The particle model is a model used to explain the physical properties of substances by describing the arrangement and movement of particles.
Forces of attraction - Forces of attraction are pulling forces that keep particles close together.
Compress - If you compress a substance, it can be made to take up less space than before. Substances in the gas state can be compressed.
Common misconception
Pupils often think that the particles are embedded in the substance rather than being the substance. Most pupils think that substances in the liquid state will compress a little.
Reinforce that most substances can exist in all three states of matter and when they are in the gas state there is nothing between the particles but empty space.
Use a live demonstration of sealed syringes to demonstrate that only the gas state will compress, take care that pupils don't push too hard on the syringes as this can lead to them being destroyed.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Sealed syringes filled with air, sand and water.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
A substance in the liquid state has particles that are free to move past their neighbouring particles; this means that liquids can and can take the shape of the bottom of a container.
Correct Answer: flow
flow
Q2.
Starting with the lowest, sort the following substances in order of increasing melting point.
1 - a substance with weak forces of attraction between particles
1
- a substance with weak forces of attraction between particles
2 - a substance with moderate forces of attraction between particles
2
- a substance with moderate forces of attraction between particles
3 - a substance with strong forces of attraction between particles
3
- a substance with strong forces of attraction between particles
Q3.
A substance has a melting/freezing point of 25$$^o$$C. If a sample of this substance is in a container at 25$$^o$$C, which of the following statements is correct?
The substance must be entirely in the solid state.
The substance must be entirely in the liquid state.
Correct answer: The substance could be in the solid or liquid state, or both simultaneously.
The substance could be in the solid or liquid state, or both simultaneously.
Q4.
There is between the particles of a substance in the gas state.
Correct Answer: empty space, nothing, space, nothing but space, only space
empty space, nothing, space, nothing but space, only space
Q5.
Match each of the following states to the correct description of the movement of particles in that state.
Correct Answer:gas state,random movement in all directions
gas state -
random movement in all directions
Correct Answer:liquid state,movement past neighbouring particles
liquid state -
movement past neighbouring particles
Correct Answer:solid state,only vibrational movement around a fixed position
solid state -
only vibrational movement around a fixed position
Q6.
True or false? Water can evaporate at temperatures lower than 100$$^o$$C. Select a reason for your answer
Correct answer: true
true
false
Correct answer: Water can evaporate at temperatures below its boiling point.
Water can evaporate at temperatures below its boiling point.
Water can only evaporate at its boiling point.
Exit quiz
Download exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
Which of the following statements about forces of attraction are correct?
Correct answer: Forces of attraction act in all directions.
Forces of attraction act in all directions.
Correct answer: Forces of attraction vary in strength depending on the state of matter.
Forces of attraction vary in strength depending on the state of matter.
Correct answer: Forces of attraction vary in strength depending on the substance.
Forces of attraction vary in strength depending on the substance.
In a gas state, particles are held together by forces of attraction.
Correct answer: In a solid or liquid state, particles are held together by forces of attraction.
In a solid or liquid state, particles are held together by forces of attraction.
Q2.
Water can evaporate at temperatures below its boiling point (100$$^o$$C) because some of its particles have enough to overcome the forces of attraction between them.
Correct Answer: energy
energy
Q3.
Which of the following statements about particles in the solid state are correct?
Correct answer: particles are kept in a fixed position by forces of attraction
particles are kept in a fixed position by forces of attraction
particles are not moving at all
Correct answer: particles do not have enough energy to overcome forces of attraction
particles do not have enough energy to overcome forces of attraction
particles exist in a random arrangement
Correct answer: particles vibrate around their fixed positions
particles vibrate around their fixed positions
Q4.
Which of the following statements about particles in the liquid state are correct?
Correct answer: particles are kept close together by forces of attraction
particles are kept close together by forces of attraction
Correct answer: particles can move past neighbouring particles
particles can move past neighbouring particles
particles exist in a regular arrangement
Correct answer: particles have enough energy to partially overcome forces of attraction
particles have enough energy to partially overcome forces of attraction
Correct answer: there are no gaps between the particles
there are no gaps between the particles
Q5.
Which of the following statements about particles in the gas state are correct?
Correct answer: particles can be forced closer together
particles can be forced closer together
Correct answer: particles can move quickly in all directions
particles can move quickly in all directions
particles exist in a regular arrangement
particles have no space between them
Correct answer: particles have enough energy to completely overcome the forces of attraction
particles have enough energy to completely overcome the forces of attraction
Q6.
Which two of the properties in the table can apply to two different states (but not necessarily the same two states).
it will not take the shape of the container; it can flow and be poured
it will not take the shape of the container; it cannot be compressed
Correct answer: it can flow and be poured; it cannot be compressed
it can flow and be poured; it cannot be compressed