This definitions covers Key Definitions within States of Matter for GCSE Physics. Revise States of Matter in Particle Model for GCSE Physics with 13 exam-style questions and 30 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 8 of 13 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
Topic position
Section 8 of 13
Practice
13 questions
Recall
30 flashcards
📖 Key Definitions
Melting point: The temperature at which a solid changes to a liquid. Temperature stays constant during melting as energy breaks intermolecular bonds.
Boiling point: The temperature at which a liquid changes to a gas throughout the bulk liquid. Temperature stays constant during boiling.
Internal energy: The total kinetic and potential energy of all the particles in a substance.
Latent heat: The energy needed to change state without changing temperature. It goes into breaking or forming bonds (changing potential energy).
Evaporation: A surface process where higher-energy particles escape from a liquid below its boiling point. Distinct from boiling (which happens throughout the liquid).
Sublimation: A direct change from solid to gas without passing through the liquid state (e.g. dry ice / frozen CO₂).
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in States of Matter. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
Practice Questions for States of Matter
In which state of matter are particles arranged in a regular pattern and only vibrate about fixed positions?
Explain what happens to the particles in a solid when it is heated until it melts. Include what happens to the temperature during melting.
Quick Recall Flashcards
13 questions on States of Matter — practise free
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