Particle Arrangements: Solid, Liquid and Gas

Part of States of Matter · Section 2 of 13

DiagramUnit: Atomic StructureGCSE
Three-panel diagram showing particle arrangements in solids (tightly packed regular grid), liquids (close but irregular clusters), and gases (widely scattered particles). GCSE Chemistry revision — states of matter.

Figure 1: Particle arrangement in the three states of matter

This diagram covers Particle Arrangements: Solid, Liquid and Gas within States of Matter for GCSE Chemistry. Revise States of Matter in Atomic Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 12 exam-style questions and 10 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 2 of 13 in this topic. Focus on the labels, the relationships between parts, and the explanation that turns the diagram into an exam-ready answer.

Practice questions for States of Matter

Which of the following best describes the arrangement of particles in a solid?

  • A. Particles are far apart and move randomly in all directions
  • B. Particles are close together in a regular arrangement and vibrate about fixed positions
  • C. Particles are close together but can flow past each other
  • D. Particles are far apart and move quickly in straight lines
1 markfoundation

A heating curve shows a flat section (plateau) when a solid is being heated to become a liquid. Explain why the temperature does not rise during this flat section. [3 marks]

3 marksstandard

Quick recall flashcards

What are the three properties of a solid?
1. Particles are close together in a regular arrangement. 2. Particles only vibrate about fixed positions. 3. Definite shape and definite volume — cannot be compressed.
What are the three properties of a gas?
1. Particles are far apart and in a random arrangement. 2. Particles move quickly in random directions. 3. No fixed shape, no fixed volume — fills the container and can be compressed.

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Particle Behaviour in the Three States

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