Edexcel GCSE Physics
Edexcel GCSE Physics Topic 14: Particle Model Exam Questions
Free Edexcel GCSE Physics exam questions for Topic 14: Particle Model, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers density, states of matter, internal energy, specific heat capacity, specific latent heat, gas pressure, absolute zero and pressure-volume changes.
Topic 14: Particle Model exam questions
2 question packs of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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About Edexcel GCSE Physics Topic 14: Particle Model
Topic 14 on Paper 2 uses the particle model to explain density, changes of state and the behaviour of gases. You need to calculate density, explain why changes of state are physical and reversible, and use specific heat capacity and specific latent heat to calculate energy changes. The topic also covers heating and cooling graphs, the kinetic theory of gases, the Kelvin scale and absolute zero, and the relationship between pressure and volume of a gas at constant temperature. It links to Topic 3 on energy and Topic 15 on pressure. Three core practicals are associated with this topic: density, specific heat capacity and the heating curve of ice.
What you need to know
- Density Density = mass / volume (rho = m / V), measured in kg/m^3 or g/cm^3. Measure irregular solids by displacement of water in a measuring cylinder or eureka can.
- States of matter Solids have closely packed particles in fixed positions, liquids are close but can move past each other, gases are far apart and move randomly. Changes of state conserve mass and are reversible.
- Internal energy The total kinetic and potential energy of the particles in a system. Heating increases internal energy, either raising the temperature or changing the state.
- Specific heat capacity Change in thermal energy = mass x specific heat capacity x change in temperature (Q = m x c x change in theta). It is the energy needed to raise 1 kg by 1 degree Celsius.
- Specific latent heat Q = m x L. Latent heat of fusion is for melting or freezing and latent heat of vaporisation for boiling or condensing. Temperature stays constant during a change of state.
- Gas pressure and temperature Gas particles collide with container walls, exerting a force. Heating increases particle speed, so pressure rises at constant volume. Absolute zero is -273 degrees Celsius, or 0 K; add 273 to convert Celsius to kelvin.
- Pressure and volume For a fixed mass of gas at constant temperature, P1 x V1 = P2 x V2. Doing work on a gas, such as with a bicycle pump, can increase its temperature.
Common mistakes in Topic 14: Particle Model
- Saying the temperature rises while a substance is melting. During a change of state the energy breaks or weakens bonds, so temperature stays constant.
- Forgetting to convert Celsius to kelvin in gas questions. Add 273.
- Mixing up specific heat capacity and specific latent heat. SHC involves a temperature change; latent heat involves a change of state with no temperature change.
- Saying gas particles get bigger when heated. They move faster; the particles themselves do not expand.
- Saying pressure rises because particles hit the walls harder only. Also say they hit the walls more often.
Try three Topic 14: Particle Model exam-style questions
1. Calculate the energy needed to raise the temperature of 0.50 kg of water by 20 degrees Celsius. Specific heat capacity of water = 4200 J/kg degrees Celsius. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Q = m x c x change in theta = 0.50 x 4200 x 20; = 42 000 J.
2. A gas at 100 kPa has a volume of 2.0 m^3. It is compressed at constant temperature to 0.50 m^3. Calculate the new pressure. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
P1 x V1 = P2 x V2; 100 x 2.0 = P2 x 0.50; P2 = 400 kPa.
3. A metal block has a mass of 54 g and a volume of 20 cm^3. Calculate its density. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
rho = m / V = 54 / 20; = 2.7 g/cm^3.
Topic 14: Particle Model FAQs
What does Edexcel GCSE Physics Topic 14 Particle Model cover?
It covers density, states of matter, internal energy, specific heat capacity, specific latent heat, gas pressure, absolute zero and pressure-volume changes.
Which paper is Topic 14 examined on?
Topic 14 is assessed on Paper 2.
Which core practicals are in the Particle Model topic?
Make sure you can describe measuring density of regular and irregular objects and liquids, finding the specific heat capacity of a material, and plotting a heating curve for melting ice.
