KS4 / GCSE · Physics

Particle Model of Matter

What is it

This topic extends KS3's particle model with density calculations, specific heat and specific latent heat, and an explanation of gas pressure in terms of particle collisions with container walls.

Why it matters

This topic bridges physics and chemistry (density and states of matter matter for both subjects) and its calculations are a reliable, learnable source of exam marks.

Exam tip

Don't confuse specific heat capacity (temperature change, no state change) with specific latent heat (state change, no temperature change) — this exact confusion is the most common error on this topic.

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