← Physics syllabus

Northern IrelandPhysics

Density, pressure and kinetic theory

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What is density, and how do we measure it for solids and liquids?

Density as mass per unit volume, the equation rho = m / V, and experiments to measure the density of regular solids, irregular solids and liquids.
A CCEA GCSE Physics answer on density as mass per unit volume, the equation rho = m / V, and the methods used to measure the density of regular solids, irregular solids and liquids.
10 min answer →

What causes gas pressure, and how does it change with temperature and volume?

Explaining gas pressure in terms of particle collisions, and how gas pressure changes with temperature and volume at the particle level.
A CCEA GCSE Physics answer on how gas pressure arises from particle collisions with container walls, and how the pressure changes when the temperature or volume of a fixed mass of gas is changed.
10 min answer →

How does heat move by conduction, convection and radiation, and how can we reduce unwanted heat loss?

Heat transfer by conduction, convection and infrared radiation, the role of surface colour, and methods of reducing unwanted energy transfers.
A CCEA GCSE Physics answer on heat transfer by conduction, convection and infrared radiation, how surface colour affects emission and absorption, and how insulation reduces unwanted energy transfers from buildings.
11 min answer →

How does the particle model explain the three states of matter and the changes between them?

Properties of solids, liquids and gases in terms of particle arrangement and motion, changes of state, and interpreting heating curves.
A CCEA GCSE Physics answer on the arrangement and motion of particles in solids, liquids and gases, the changes of state between them, and how to interpret a heating curve including the flat sections.
10 min answer →

How is pressure calculated, and how does pressure in a liquid change with depth?

Pressure as force per unit area, P = F / A, pressure in liquids increasing with depth and density, and the equation P = rho g h.
A CCEA GCSE Physics answer on pressure as force per unit area, the equation P = F / A, how pressure in a liquid increases with depth and density, and using P = rho g h.
11 min answer →