This topic summary covers Topic Summary: States of Matter 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 13 of 13 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 13 of 13
Practice
13 questions
Recall
30 flashcards
Topic Summary: States of Matter
Key Terms
- Internal energy: total KE + PE of particles
- Melting point: solid → liquid transition temperature
- Boiling point: liquid → gas transition temperature
- Latent heat: energy for state change at constant temperature
- Sublimation: solid → gas (skips liquid)
Particle Properties by State
- Solid: fixed lattice, vibrate only, strong forces
- Liquid: close, disordered, flow past each other
- Gas: far apart, random fast motion, negligible forces
State Changes
- Energy IN (bonds break): melting, boiling, sublimation
- Energy OUT (bonds form): freezing, condensing, deposition
- Temperature CONSTANT during state change
- KE constant; PE changes during state change
Exam Tips
- Flat heating curve = state change (bond breaking)
- Always link flat section to KE/PE distinction
- Mass is conserved during all state changes
- Evaporation ≠ boiling (surface vs bulk)