OxfordAQA International GCSE Physics
OxfordAQA International GCSE Physics 3.4 Particle Model of Matter Exam Questions
Free OxfordAQA International GCSE Physics revision for 3.4 Particle Model of Matter: what you need to know, common mistakes and exam-style questions with answers. Covers kinetic theory, states of matter, specific heat capacity, specific latent heat, cooling curves, conduction, convection, evaporation and thermal expansion.
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About OxfordAQA International GCSE Physics 3.4 Particle Model of Matter
The Particle Model of Matter in OxfordAQA International GCSE Physics explains the behaviour of solids, liquids and gases using kinetic theory. You calculate the energy needed to change temperature with specific heat capacity and to change state with specific latent heat of fusion or vaporisation, and you explain the flat sections of heating and cooling curves. The second part covers conduction, convection, evaporation and its cooling effect, factors affecting the rate of energy transfer by heating, and thermal expansion. In the separate Physics course you complete the required practical on the cooling curve of stearic acid. Examiners often combine specific heat capacity and latent heat in one calculation.
What you need to know
- Kinetic theory Solid particles vibrate in fixed positions, liquid particles are close but move past each other, and gas particles are far apart and move randomly at high speed. Particles in a gas have the most energy.
- Specific heat capacity E = m x c x delta theta. Specific heat capacity is the energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 °C.
- Specific latent heat E = m x LF for melting or freezing and E = m x LV for boiling or condensing. During a change of state the energy changes the forces between particles, not the temperature.
- Heating and cooling curves Flat sections on a temperature-time graph show a change of state. Impurities change the melting and boiling point. Required practical (separate Physics): investigate the cooling curve of stearic acid.
- Conduction and convection In conduction, vibrating particles pass energy to neighbours; metals conduct well because free electrons transfer energy quickly. Insulators lack free electrons. In convection, a heated fluid expands, becomes less dense and rises, and cooler fluid sinks to replace it.
- Evaporation The fastest particles escape from the surface, so the mean kinetic energy of the remaining liquid falls and it cools. Evaporation is faster with higher temperature, larger surface area and air movement.
- Rate of energy transfer The rate depends on surface area and volume, the material and the type of surface, and is greater when the temperature difference is larger. Examples include cooling fins and the ear sizes of animals in hot and cold climates.
- Expansion Most substances expand when heated. This can be a hazard, as with roads and bridges, or useful, as in a bimetallic strip thermostat.
Common mistakes in 3.4 Particle Model of Matter
- Saying temperature rises while a substance melts. Temperature stays constant during a change of state.
- Using the wrong latent heat value. Use fusion for melting or freezing and vaporisation for boiling or condensing.
- Saying heat rises in convection. The heated fluid becomes less dense and rises; heat is not a substance.
- Saying particles get bigger when a substance expands. The particles move further apart; their size does not change.
- Forgetting to convert grams to kilograms. Specific heat capacity and latent heat values are per kilogram.
Try three 3.4 Particle Model of Matter exam-style questions
1. Calculate the energy needed to heat 0.50 kg of water from 20 °C to 50 °C. The specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J/kg °C. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
E = 0.50 x 4200 x 30; = 63 000 J.
2. Calculate the energy needed to melt 0.20 kg of ice at 0 °C. The specific latent heat of fusion of ice is 334 000 J/kg. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
E = 0.20 x 334 000; = 66 800 J.
3. Explain why sweating cools the body. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Sweat evaporates from the skin; the particles with the most energy escape; the average kinetic energy of the remaining particles falls, so the temperature falls and energy is taken from the skin.
3.4 Particle Model of Matter FAQs
What does OxfordAQA International GCSE Physics 3.4 Particle Model of Matter cover?
It covers kinetic theory, specific heat capacity, specific latent heat, heating and cooling curves, conduction, convection, evaporation, rates of energy transfer by heating and thermal expansion.
Which paper is 3.4 Particle Model of Matter examined in?
OxfordAQA International GCSE Physics has two equally weighted papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, each 1 hour 30 minutes and 90 marks. Content from any part of the specification can appear in either paper.
How do I explain a cooling curve?
On sloping parts the temperature falls as energy is transferred to the surroundings. On the flat part the substance is changing state, so energy is released as particles form bonds or attractions, keeping the temperature constant until it has all solidified.
