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4.3 Particle model of matter

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does the particle model explain density, and how do we measure it?

Density of materials: the density equation, how the particle model explains the densities of solids, liquids and gases, and the required practical to measure density.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Physics 4.3.1, covering the density equation, how the arrangement of particles in solids, liquids and gases explains their relative densities, and the required practical for measuring density.
8 min answer →

What is internal energy, and what happens to it during a change of state?

Internal energy and changes of state: internal energy as the total kinetic and potential energy of particles, how heating changes it, and why changes of state are physical changes.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Physics 4.3.2, covering internal energy as the total kinetic and potential energy of particles, how heating raises temperature or causes a change of state, and why melting, boiling and the rest are physical changes.
8 min answer →

How does the motion of gas particles create pressure, and how does temperature affect it?

Particle motion in gases: how the random motion of particles causes gas pressure, the link between temperature and average kinetic energy, and the effect of changing volume on pressure.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Physics 4.3.3, covering how the random motion of gas particles creates pressure, the link between temperature and the average kinetic energy of particles, and how changing the volume of a fixed mass of gas at constant temperature changes the pressure.
8 min answer →

How much energy does it take to melt or boil a substance?

Specific latent heat: the energy needed to change the state of a substance, the latent heat equation, and the difference between latent heat of fusion and vaporisation.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Physics 4.3.2, covering specific latent heat as the energy needed to change the state of one kilogram of a substance, the latent heat equation, and the difference between the specific latent heat of fusion and of vaporisation.
8 min answer →