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 is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. 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).