This how it works covers How Density Links to Particle Model within Density for GCSE Physics. Revise Density in Particle Model for GCSE Physics with 13 exam-style questions and 30 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 6 of 13 in this topic. Use this how it works to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 6 of 13
Practice
13 questions
Recall
30 flashcards
⚙️ How Density Links to Particle Model
At the particle level, the three states of matter have very different densities because of packing:
- Solids: Particles are closely packed in a regular lattice — very little empty space, so density is high.
- Liquids: Particles are still close together but disordered — density similar to solids but slightly lower (water is an exception — it expands on freezing).
- Gases: Particles are widely spaced (typically 10× further apart than in solids) — density is about 1000× lower than the equivalent liquid or solid.
This explains why the density of steam (0.0006 g/cm³) is so much lower than liquid water (1.0 g/cm³) — the same molecules, just with enormous gaps between them.