Particle Model of Matter

Particle Model of Matter GCSE Physics revision notes from JD Science.

Density

ρ = m/v. Measure mass with a balance and volume with a ruler or a displacement can. Solids have a regular particle arrangement, liquids flow, gases fill their container. Heating increases internal energy.

Changes of state

Change of state is a physical change. Specific heat capacity is energy to raise 1 kg by 1 °C. Specific latent heat is energy to change state of 1 kg without a temperature change: E = mL. Melting and vaporisation need energy to break attractions; freezing and condensing release energy.

Gas pressure

Gas particles collide with walls and create pressure. At constant volume, higher temperature means higher pressure. Particle motion is random; increasing temperature increases kinetic energy.

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