The three states of matter Flashcards – AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Chemistry — Foundation

What changes of state occur at a substance’s melting point?

Melting and freezing of the bulk material.

What changes of state occur at a substance’s boiling point?

Boiling and condensing of the bulk material.

For a pure substance, what state is expected below its melting point, between its melting and boiling points, and above its boiling point?

• Below the melting point: solid
• Between the points: liquid
• Above the boiling point: gas

How are particles represented in the simple particle model of matter?

As small solid spheres.

How are particles arranged in a solid?

Close together in a fixed arrangement.

How are particles arranged and able to move in a liquid?

They are close together but can move past one another.

How are particles arranged and able to move in a gas?

They are far apart and move freely.

What happens to particle motion and possible states when energy is transferred into a material?

Particles move more, and the material can change from solid → liquid → gas.

What happens to particle motion and possible states when energy is transferred out of a material?

Particles move less, and the material can change from gas → liquid → solid.

Does a single atom or particle have the bulk properties of the whole material?

No. Bulk properties belong to the whole material, not to an individual atom or particle.

Why does melting or boiling require energy?

Particles attract each other, so energy is needed to separate them enough for the change of state.

What determines the particles in a substance and the strength of attraction between them?

The substance’s bonding and structure.

How does the strength of attraction between particles affect melting and boiling points?

Stronger attractions require more energy to separate the particles, resulting in higher melting and boiling points.