The Three States of Matter Compared
Part of States of Matter · GCSE GCSE Physics revision
This deep dive covers The Three States of Matter Compared 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 3 of 13 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 3 of 13
Practice
13 questions
Recall
30 flashcards
🔬 The Three States of Matter Compared
All matter is made of particles (atoms or molecules). The state depends on how much energy those particles have and how strongly they are attracted to each other:
- Solid: Particles are held in fixed positions in a regular lattice. They vibrate about fixed points but cannot move past each other. Strong forces of attraction hold them in place. Fixed shape and volume.
- Liquid: Particles are close together but can move past each other. Forces are weaker than in solids. No fixed shape (takes container shape) but fixed volume.
- Gas: Particles have broken free — they move randomly at high speed with large spaces between them. Very weak/negligible forces. No fixed shape or volume — fills any container.
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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