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AQASpec 4.3Foundation & Higher~25 min

Particle Model of Matter

Physics · Topic revision workspace

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Read the notes, score 80% and know 75% of the cards.

Topic overview

What you need to know

Particle Model of Matter is a key part of GCSE Physics. Choose the right model or equation, track units carefully and connect calculations to physical meaning. Mass per unit volume. ρ = m/V. Measured in kg/m³ or g/cm³. Solid: fixed shape, particles vibrate in fixed positions. Liquid: takes shape of container, particles move around each other. Gas: fills container, particles move freely. The total kinetic and potential energy of all the particles in a system.

Exam tip

Write the equation, substitute with units, calculate, then round only at the end.

Revision notes

Core ideas

Secure these ideas first. Say each definition in your own words, then connect it to the topic overview.

  • Density: Mass per unit volume. ρ = m/V. Measured in kg/m³ or g/cm³.
  • States of Matter: Solid: fixed shape, particles vibrate in fixed positions. Liquid: takes shape of container, particles move around each other. Gas: fills container, particles move freely.
  • Internal Energy: The total kinetic and potential energy of all the particles in a system.
  • Specific Latent Heat: The energy needed to change the state of 1 kg of a substance without changing its temperature. E = mL.

Revision notes

Apply it in the exam

The exam will rarely ask for an isolated definition. Practise selecting the right idea and using it as part of a complete explanation or method.

  • Latent Heat of Fusion: The energy needed to change 1 kg from solid to liquid (or liquid to solid) at constant temperature.
  • Latent Heat of Vaporisation: The energy needed to change 1 kg from liquid to gas (or gas to liquid) at constant temperature.
  • Gas Pressure: Caused by gas particles colliding with the walls of their container. More frequent/harder collisions = higher pressure.
  • Pressure and Temperature: For a fixed volume, increasing temperature increases gas pressure because particles move faster and collide more forcefully.

Core knowledge

Key facts for Particle Model of Matter

1

Density

Mass per unit volume. ρ = m/V. Measured in kg/m³ or g/cm³.

2

States of Matter

Solid: fixed shape, particles vibrate in fixed positions. Liquid: takes shape of container, particles move around each other. Gas: fills container, particles move freely.

3

Internal Energy

The total kinetic and potential energy of all the particles in a system.

4

Specific Latent Heat

The energy needed to change the state of 1 kg of a substance without changing its temperature. E = mL.

5

Latent Heat of Fusion

The energy needed to change 1 kg from solid to liquid (or liquid to solid) at constant temperature.

6

Latent Heat of Vaporisation

The energy needed to change 1 kg from liquid to gas (or gas to liquid) at constant temperature.

7

Gas Pressure

Caused by gas particles colliding with the walls of their container. More frequent/harder collisions = higher pressure.

8

Pressure and Temperature

For a fixed volume, increasing temperature increases gas pressure because particles move faster and collide more forcefully.

Active recall

Close the notes and answer these

  1. 1.Without looking, explain density and give one example or consequence.
  2. 2.Without looking, explain states of matter and give one example or consequence.
  3. 3.Without looking, explain internal energy and give one example or consequence.
  4. 4.Without looking, explain specific latent heat and give one example or consequence.

Content reviewed 23 July 2026 against the current linked specification.

Finished learning?

Mark the notes complete, then test what you can recall.

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