States of Matter and the Particle Model

What this unit covers

The resources on this page follow the particle model from the basic idea to its uses. Many are written with GCSE Physics, AQA GCSE Physics, IGCSE Physics and GCSE Science in mind, and a few mention GCSE Chemistry.

• States and particles: solids, liquids and gases, and how their particles are arranged and move.
• Changes of state: melting, freezing, boiling, evaporation and condensation.
• Density: mass, compactness and why things float.
• Gases and heat: pressure, temperature, absolute zero and specific latent heat.

Where to start

Begin with the mind map Particle Model of Matter. It sets out the three states, how particles are arranged, and which states are dense. Then open States of Matter and Particle Theory, which add changes of state and diffusion. If you want a wider view, the map STATES OF MATTER also brings in plasma and Bose-Einstein states.

Going deeper

The note Heating and cooling curves uses kinetic particle theory to explain what is happening to the energy of particles during a change of state. Read it after the basic maps. Next, look at the maps on evaporation and condensation, then the flashcards on density and specific latent heat. The deck n5 physics gas laws covers pressure, volume and temperature.

Using quizzes and maps together

Try States of Matter Quiz before you revise, and note the questions you miss. Go back to the matching map and look for the branch that answers them. Then retake the quiz. Density Bozeman is a good short check for density. Teachers can pick a quiz, a map or a slide set such as Kinetic Theory and Diffusion for a lesson.

Where it fits

This unit sits in the Matter and Thermal Physics strand of Physics. Choose one resource today, work through it, and then make a map or flashcard set of your own.