Cambridge IGCSE · Chemistry 0620

IGCSE Chemistry: States of matter — Practice Questions & Answers

Kinetic particle theory explains solids, liquids and gases, the changes of state between them, and how diffusion works.

348 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 state of matter has a fixed shape and a fixed volume?

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WhyIn a solid the particles are held in fixed positions by strong forces, giving a definite shape and volume.
2 Multiple choice · Easy

What is the name of the change of state from a liquid to a gas?

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WhyEvaporation (or boiling) is the change from liquid to gas as particles gain enough energy to escape.
3 Multiple choice · Easy

In which state are the particles arranged in a regular, closely packed pattern?

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WhySolids have particles arranged in a regular pattern, packed closely together and only vibrating about fixed points.
4 Multiple choice · Easy

Which state of matter can be compressed the most easily?

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WhyGases have large spaces between particles, so they can be squeezed into a much smaller volume.
5 Fill in the blank · Easy

The change of state from a solid directly to a gas, without becoming a liquid, is called .

Answer: sublimation / sublimating

WhySublimation is the direct change from solid to gas; an example is solid CO2 (dry ice).
6 Fill in the blank · Easy

When a gas cools and turns into a liquid, the change of state is called .

Answer: condensation / condensing

WhyCondensation occurs when gas particles lose energy and come close enough to form a liquid.
7 Multiple choice · Medium

Why can a gas flow and spread out to fill its container?

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WhyGas particles have very weak forces between them and move randomly at high speed in all directions, so they spread to fill any container.
8 Multiple choice · Medium

What happens to the arrangement and movement of particles when a solid melts?

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WhyOn melting, particles gain energy, overcome some of the forces holding them in place, and can move past one another, becoming less ordered.
9 Multiple choice · Medium

A few crystals of purple potassium manganate(VII) are placed at the bottom of a beaker of still water. After a day the whole beaker is purple. What process has occurred?

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WhyThe coloured particles spread through the water by diffusion, moving from a region of higher concentration to lower concentration.
10 Multiple choice · Medium

Which of these correctly describes the particles in a liquid?

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WhyLiquid particles are close together but not in a fixed pattern; they can move around and slide past each other, giving a fixed volume but no fixed shape.

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Key terms in States of matter

Matter: Anything that occupies space and has mass, existing as solids, liquids, or gases.
State of matter: A distinct physical form in which a substance can exist, namely solid, liquid, or gas.
Solid: A state of matter with a fixed shape and fixed volume because its particles are packed closely in a regular arrangement.
Liquid: A state of matter that has a fixed volume but takes the shape of its container because its particles can move past one another.
Gas: A state of matter with no fixed shape or volume that spreads out to fill any container it is placed in.
Kinetic particle theory: The model that explains the behaviour of matter by treating it as tiny moving particles whose motion depends on temperature.
Particle: A very small unit of matter, such as an atom, molecule, or ion, that makes up a substance.
Particle arrangement: The way particles are positioned relative to one another, which differs between solids, liquids, and gases.

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