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States of matter questions appear in almost every physics paper. Examined in Edexcel 1PH0/2 (Paper 2). Edexcel uses context-based questions — unusual substances, industrial processes, materials with surprising properties — so practise applying particle model reasoning to unfamiliar state-change scenarios.

• "Explain why the temperature stays constant during melting" (3 marks): Say energy breaks bonds → potential energy increases → kinetic energy stays constant → temperature stays constant.
• Heating curve interpretation (2-3 marks): Identify flat sections (state changes) and sloped sections (within-state heating). Label the melting and boiling points.
• Particle descriptions (3 marks): Describe arrangement, movement, and forces for each state. Always address all three aspects.
• Internal energy questions (2 marks): State that internal energy = kinetic + potential energy of particles.
• "Suggest" questions (Edexcel): Given an unusual state change (e.g. a substance that sublimes at room temperature), suggest why this happens using particle model reasoning.