STUDENT SPACE · TOPIC 3

Explaining changes with particles

Explain properties and state changes using particles, and interpret a heating curve.

The essentials

  • Solid particles vibrate about fixed positions. Liquid particles remain close but move past one another. Gas particles are far apart and move rapidly and randomly.
  • Raising temperature increases the average kinetic energy of particles.
  • During melting or boiling of a pure substance at constant pressure, temperature stays constant while energy is used to overcome attractions.

Key vocabulary

EnglishChinese
arrangement排列
separation间距
vibration振动
kinetic energy动能
heating curve升温曲线
attraction吸引力

Quick practice

Try each question before opening its hint or answer. Use paper for calculations and diagrams.

Question 1

A pure solid is melting while being heated. Why can its temperature stay constant?

Need a hint for Question 1?

Is the added energy increasing particle speed or overcoming attractions?

Check Question 1

The energy is used to overcome attractions between particles during the change of state, rather than increasing their average kinetic energy.

Question 2

Describe one difference in particle arrangement and one difference in motion between a solid and a gas.

Need a hint for Question 2?

Use fixed positions, spacing and random motion.

Check Question 2

Solid particles are close together and vibrate about fixed positions. Gas particles are far apart and move rapidly and randomly throughout the container.

Question 3

A student says that particles themselves become larger when a substance is heated. Correct this model.

Need a hint for Question 3?

Does heating normally change particle size or motion and separation?

Check Question 3

The particles do not become larger. Heating generally increases their average kinetic energy; increased separation can cause expansion.

For more written practice, use Lesson 3 in your worksheet. Your teacher will discuss those answers in class.

Try it: States of Matter

Heat a solid in the simulation. Observe how particle arrangement and movement change. Use the simulation qualitatively, rather than as a precise heating curve.

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