AQA · GCSE Physics 8463

AQA GCSE Physics: Particle model of matter — Practice Questions & Answers

Density, the three states of matter, internal energy, specific heat capacity and latent heat, changes of state, and gas pressure.

846 practice questions available for this topic — here are 10 with full answers and explanations.

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Practice questions with answers

1 Multiple choice · Easy

Which equation correctly defines the density of a material?

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WhyDensity is mass per unit volume, so density = mass / volume.
2 Multiple choice · Easy

In which state of matter are the particles arranged in a regular, fixed pattern and held in place, only vibrating?

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WhyIn a solid the particles are packed closely in a regular arrangement and can only vibrate about fixed positions.
3 Multiple choice · Easy

What is the SI unit used for density?

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WhyDensity is mass (kg) divided by volume (m^3), giving units of kg/m^3.
4 Multiple choice · Easy

Which change of state occurs when a liquid turns into a solid?

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WhyWhen a liquid cools and turns into a solid the change is called freezing (solidifying).
5 Fill in the blank · Easy

A change of state, such as melting or boiling, is a change because no new substance is made and the change can be reversed.

Answer: physical

WhyChanges of state are physical (not chemical) changes; the mass is conserved and the process can be reversed by reversing the energy transfer.
6 Fill in the blank · Easy

The total kinetic energy and potential energy of all the particles that make up a system is called its energy.

Answer: internal

WhyInternal energy is the total of the kinetic energy (from particle motion) and potential energy (from particle positions and interactions) of all the particles in a system.
7 Multiple choice · Medium

A block of metal has a mass of 600 g and a volume of 75 cm^3. What is its density?

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Whydensity = mass / volume = 600 g / 75 cm^3 = 8 g/cm^3.
8 Multiple choice · Medium

Which statement best explains why gases are much easier to compress than solids?

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WhyIn a gas the particles are far apart with large spaces between them, so they can be pushed closer together; in a solid the particles are already touching.
9 Multiple choice · Medium

When a substance is melting, energy is supplied but its temperature does not change. Where does this energy go?

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WhyDuring a change of state the energy is used to break the bonds between particles (increasing potential energy), not to raise the temperature.
10 Multiple choice · Medium

How much energy is needed to raise the temperature of 2 kg of water by 10 degrees C? (specific heat capacity of water = 4200 J/kg degrees C)

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WhyE = m c deltaT = 2 x 4200 x 10 = 84000 J.

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Key terms in Particle model of matter

Particle model: A way of describing matter as being made of tiny moving particles whose arrangement and movement explain physical properties.
Density: The mass of a substance contained within a given volume, calculated as mass divided by volume.
Density formula: The relationship rho = m / V, where rho is density, m is mass and V is volume.
Mass: The amount of matter in an object, measured in kilograms.
Volume: The amount of three-dimensional space that an object or substance occupies, measured in cubic metres.
kg/m^3: The SI unit of density, representing kilograms of mass per cubic metre of volume.
Regular object: A solid with a shape whose volume can be found directly using length measurements and a formula.
Irregular object: A solid with an uneven shape whose volume is usually found by measuring the liquid it displaces.

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