Edexcel International GCSE Physics
Edexcel International GCSE Physics Section 5: Solids, Liquids and Gases Exam Questions
Free Edexcel International GCSE Physics exam questions for Section 5: Solids, Liquids and Gases, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers density, pressure, pressure in liquids, changes of state, specific heat capacity, gas pressure, absolute zero and the gas laws.
Section 5: Solids, Liquids and Gases 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 International GCSE Physics Section 5: Solids, Liquids and Gases
Section 5 of Edexcel International GCSE Physics uses the particle model to explain the properties of solids, liquids and gases. You need to calculate density and describe how to measure it, use pressure = force / area and calculate pressure differences in liquids with p = rho g h. The section covers changes of state, specific heat capacity and the practical for measuring it. It then explains gas pressure using particle motion, the Kelvin scale and absolute zero, and the gas laws linking pressure with temperature and with volume. Examiners regularly set gas law calculations, which need temperatures in kelvin, and density practical descriptions.
What you need to know
- Density Density = mass / volume (rho = m / V). Measure regular solids with a ruler and balance; irregular solids using displacement of water; liquids using a measuring cylinder on a balance.
- Pressure Pressure = force / area (p = F / A), measured in pascals. Pressure in a liquid acts equally in all directions.
- Pressure difference in liquids Pressure difference = height x density x g (p = h rho g). Pressure increases with depth and with the density of the liquid.
- Changes of state Melting, boiling, evaporation, condensation and freezing. During a change of state, energy changes the arrangement of particles and the temperature stays constant.
- Specific heat capacity Change in thermal energy = mass x specific heat capacity x temperature change (Delta Q = m c Delta T). Measure it by heating a known mass with an electrical heater and recording the temperature rise.
- Gas pressure and kelvin Gas pressure is caused by particles colliding with the container walls. Absolute zero is -273 degrees Celsius (0 K), the temperature at which particles have the least kinetic energy. Kelvin temperature is proportional to the average kinetic energy of the particles.
- Gas laws For a fixed mass of gas at constant volume, p1 / T1 = p2 / T2 with T in kelvin. At constant temperature, p1 V1 = p2 V2.
Common mistakes in Section 5: Solids, Liquids and Gases
- Using degrees Celsius in the pressure-temperature gas law. Convert to kelvin by adding 273.
- Saying temperature increases during melting. It stays constant until all the solid has melted.
- Using the area in cm^2 with force in N and calling the answer pascals. Convert to m^2 first, or give the answer in N/cm^2.
- Saying that gas particles stop moving at 0 degrees Celsius. They have the least kinetic energy only at absolute zero, -273 degrees Celsius.
- Forgetting to subtract starting temperature from final temperature in specific heat capacity questions.
Try three Section 5: Solids, Liquids and Gases exam-style questions
1. A gas in a sealed container has a pressure of 120 kPa at 300 K. It is heated at constant volume to 375 K. Calculate the new pressure. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
p1 / T1 = p2 / T2; 120 / 300 = p2 / 375; p2 = 150 kPa.
2. Calculate the pressure difference between the surface and a depth of 5.0 m in water of density 1000 kg/m^3. Use g = 10 N/kg. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
p = h x rho x g = 5.0 x 1000 x 10; = 50 000 Pa.
3. Explain, using the particle model, why the pressure of a gas increases when it is heated in a sealed container. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Particles gain kinetic energy and move faster; they collide with the container walls more often and with more force; so the force per unit area, the pressure, increases.
Section 5: Solids, Liquids and Gases FAQs
What does Edexcel International GCSE Physics Section 5 Solids, Liquids and Gases cover?
It covers density, pressure, pressure in liquids, changes of state, specific heat capacity, gas pressure, absolute zero and the gas laws.
Which paper is Section 5 examined on?
Content from this section can appear on both Paper 1 and Paper 2; statements shown in bold in the specification are only assessed on Paper 2.
What equations do I need for Solids, Liquids and Gases?
Learn rho = m / V, p = F / A, p = h rho g, Delta Q = m c Delta T, p1 / T1 = p2 / T2 and p1 V1 = p2 V2.
