Particle model of matter
Edexcel GCSE Physics revision on Particle model of matter. Aligned to the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics 1PH0 specification. This bank has 18 practice questions on this topic.
Sample questions (3 of 18)
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Question 1
In a SOLID, particles are...
- A) Far apart and moving randomly
- B) Closely packed in a regular arrangement, vibrating
- C) Far apart in all directions
- D) Joined by chemical bonds only
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Answer: Closely packed in a regular arrangement, vibrating
SOLID: particles closely packed, regular arrangement, vibrate in place. Fixed shape + volume. LIQUID: particles still touch but disordered, can slide past each other. Fixed volume, takes container's shape. GAS: particles far apart, fast random motion, almost no forces between them. No fixed shape OR volume. PLASMA: very hot gas where electrons are stripped (e.g. lightning, stars).
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Question 2
Density = mass / volume. The unit is...
- A) kg/m^3
- B) m/s
- C) N/m^2
- D) J/kg
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Answer: kg/m^3
Density measures how tightly packed matter is. Water ~1000 kg/m^3 (or 1 g/cm^3). Iron ~7900 kg/m^3. Air ~1.2 kg/m^3. Liquid mercury 13,500 kg/m^3 (super dense, why a small bit weighs a lot). Substances FLOAT in denser liquids; SINK in less dense. Submarines change density via ballast tanks.
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Question 3
A 200 g object occupies 100 cm^3. Its density is...
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Answer: 2
Density = 200/100 = 2 g/cm^3. Convert to SI units: 2000 kg/m^3 (multiply g/cm^3 by 1000). Compare with water (1 g/cm^3, 1000 kg/m^3) - this object is twice as dense, so it would sink. Calculating density: weigh object + measure volume (by displacement for irregular shapes - drop into measuring cylinder of water, note volume increase).
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