Particle model
Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) · Unit 2: Thermal physics · 16 flashcards
Particle model is topic 2.1.2 in the Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) syllabus , positioned in Unit 2 — Thermal physics , alongside States of matter, Gases and the absolute scale of temperature and Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases.
This topic is examined in Paper 1 (multiple-choice) and Papers 3/4 (theory), plus Paper 5 or Paper 6 (practical / alternative to practical).
The deck below contains 16 flashcards — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward.
What the Cambridge 0625 syllabus says
Official 2026-2028 specThese are the exact learning objectives Cambridge sets for this topic. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks.
- Describe Describe the particle structure of solids, liquids and gases in terms of the arrangement, separation and motion of the particles and represent these states using simple particle diagrams
- Describe Describe the relationship between the motion of particles and temperature, including the idea that there is a lowest possible temperature (-273°C), known as absolute zero, where the particles have least kinetic energy
- Describe Describe the pressure and the changes in pressure of a gas in terms of the motion of its particles and their collisions with a surface
- Know Know that the random motion of microscopic particles in a suspension is evidence for the kinetic particle model of matter
- Describe Describe and explain this motion (sometimes known as Brownian motion) in terms of random collisions between the microscopic particles in a suspension and the particles of the gas or liquid
- Know Know that the forces and distances between particles (atoms, molecules, ions and electrons) and the motion of the particles affects the properties of solids, liquids and gases Supplement
- Describe Describe the pressure and the changes in pressure of a gas in terms of the forces exerted by particles colliding with surfaces, creating a force per unit area Supplement
- Know Know that microscopic particles may be moved by collisions with light fast-moving molecules and correctly use the terms atoms or molecules as distinct from microscopic particles Supplement
Describe the arrangement, separation, and motion of particles in a solid, a liquid, and a gas.
Solid: Particles are closely packed in a regular arrangement. They are very close together with strong intermolecular forces. Particles vibrate about fixed positions.
Liquid: Particles are closely packed but in a random arrangement. The separation is slightly greater than in solids with weaker intermolecular forces. Particles move around and slide past each other.
Gas: Particles are widely spaced in a random arrangement. The separation is large with negligible intermolecular forces. Particles move randomly at high speeds.
State two differences in the particle arrangement and motion between a liquid and a gas.
1. Arrangement: In a liquid, particles are close together and in a random arrangement, whereas in a gas, particles are widely spaced and in a random arrangement.
2. Motion: In a liquid, particles can move around and slide past each other, while in a gas, particles move randomly at high speeds.
Describe the relationship between the motion of particles and temperature. Include in your answer what occurs at absolute zero.
As temperature increases, the particles move faster and possess greater kinetic energy. Conversely, as temperature decreases, the particles move slower and have less kinetic energy.
At absolute zero (-273°C or 0 K), the particles possess the *least* possible kinetic energy. They are not stationary, but their motion is minimal due to the minimal energy in the system.
State what happens to the motion of particles as the temperature of a substance approaches absolute zero.
As the temperature approaches absolute zero, the motion of the particles decreases and the kinetic energy of the particles is minimised.
Describe how the motion of gas particles causes pressure on the walls of a container.
Gas particles are in constant, random motion. These particles collide with the walls of the container. Each collision exerts a small force on the wall. The pressure is the total force exerted by all the particles over the area of the wall. More frequent and/or more forceful collisions result in a higher pressure.
State two ways to increase the pressure of a fixed mass of gas in a sealed container.
1. Increase the temperature of the gas. This increases the average kinetic energy of the particles, leading to more frequent and more forceful collisions with the container walls.
2. Decrease the volume of the container. This increases the frequency of collisions with the container walls as the particles have less space to move around in.
Describe what Brownian motion is and explain how it provides evidence for the kinetic particle model of matter.
Description: Brownian motion is the random, erratic movement of microscopic particles suspended in a fluid (liquid or gas). These particles can be pollen grains in water, or smoke particles in air.
Explanation: The random movement of the larger particles is caused by collisions with the much smaller, invisible particles of the fluid. These collisions are uneven, resulting in a net force that causes the larger particle to move randomly. This supports the kinetic particle model which states that matter is made up of constantly moving particles. The observable motion of the larger particles is indirect evidence of the motion of the smaller fluid particles.
State two observations you would make when viewing pollen grains suspended in water under a microscope that would indicate Brownian motion is occurring.
1. The pollen grains move randomly.
2. The pollen grains move erratically, changing direction frequently and unpredictably.
Describe the motion of pollen grains suspended in water as observed under a microscope. Explain how this motion provides evidence for the existence of water molecules.
The pollen grains move randomly and erratically in all directions (Brownian motion). This is because the water molecules are constantly moving and colliding with the pollen grains from all sides. Since the water molecules are much smaller and invisible, their movement can only be inferred by observing the movement of larger pollen grains. Uneven collisions cause jerky, random movements.
Small smoke particles are observed to move randomly when suspended in air. What causes this random movement?
The random movement is caused by collisions between the smoke particles and the air molecules. The air molecules are in constant, random motion and collide with the smoke particles. These collisions are uneven, resulting in a net force that causes the smoke particles to move in a random, jerky manner.
Explain, using the particle model, why solids have a fixed shape and volume, while gases do not.
Solids have a fixed shape and volume because the particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) are held together by strong forces in a fixed arrangement. They vibrate in place but cannot move past each other.
Gases have no fixed shape or volume because the particles have weak forces between them, are widely spaced, and move randomly at high speeds. They can easily move past each other and fill any available space.
Describe how the arrangement and movement of particles differ between ice at -10°C and liquid water at 10°C.
Ice at -10°C: Particles are tightly packed in a regular lattice structure, vibrating around fixed positions. There is limited movement, and the forces between the particles are strong.
Liquid water at 10°C: Particles are still close together, but the arrangement is less ordered. Particles can move around each other. The particles have more kinetic energy and vibrate and move more, and the forces between the particles are weaker.
A sealed container of volume 2.0 m³ contains a gas. The particles in the gas collide with the walls of the container, exerting a force of 4.0 N on a small section of wall with area 0.01 m². Calculate the pressure exerted by the gas on this section of the wall.
Pressure = Force / Area
Pressure = 4.0 N / 0.01 m²
Pressure = 400 N/m² = 400 Pa
The pressure is the force exerted per unit area.
Describe how the pressure of a gas in a sealed container is related to the forces exerted by gas particles on the container walls.
The gas pressure is due to the countless collisions of gas particles with the container walls. Each collision exerts a small force on the wall. The pressure is defined as the total force exerted by these collisions per unit area of the wall. More frequent and/or more forceful collisions result in a higher pressure.
Describe how pollen grains suspended in water move when observed under a microscope, and explain the reason for this movement.
The pollen grains exhibit random, jerky movements (Brownian motion). This is because water molecules, which are constantly moving, collide with the pollen grains from all directions. These collisions are uneven, resulting in a net force on the pollen grain, causing it to move randomly.
State the difference between an atom and a microscopic particle like a pollen grain.
An atom is a fundamental, indivisible (chemically) component of matter. A pollen grain, however, is a microscopic particle comprised of numerous molecules, which are in turn made of many atoms bound together. A pollen grain is much larger and more complex than a single atom or molecule.
More topics in Unit 2 — Thermal physics
Particle model sits alongside these Physics decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
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