This section provides knowledge and understanding of the structure of different forms of matter; typically solids, liquids and gases.

The particle model is widely used to predict the behaviour of solids, liquids and gases and this has many applications in everyday life. It helps us to explain a wide range of observations and engineers use these principles when designing vessels to withstand high pressures and temperatures, such as submarines and spacecraft. It also explains why it is difficult to make a good cup of tea high up a mountain!

The different areas of this topic are outlined here;

• The particle model of matter
  • Fourth state of matter?
• Determining the density of a substance
  • Practically determining the density of a substance
• Using the particle model to explain a substances behaviour
• Internal energy
• Specific heat capacity
  • Determining specific heat capacity through experiment
• Specific latent heat
• Insulation
• The motion of particles in a gas
• Work done on a gas and the change in internal energy caused
• Particle model of matter review and test materials

Please remember that you started your GCSEs in year 9 and also learnt material in years 7 and 8 which led into this topic.