the substance has a fixed shape and cannot be compressed

the substance can flow, it fills the shape of its container and cannot be compressed

the substance does not have a fixed shape and will take the shape of its container

when a substance can be poured from one place to another

when a substance is made to take up less space (volume)

Solid and liquid states

Science

Melting: particle model

Bunsen burners

Melting: melting points and freezing points

Particle model of substances in the gas state

Boiling and condensing

Changes of state: energy and evaporation

In the Solutions unit, pupils will build on their understanding of the states of matter to learn about mixtures, solutions, and dissolving in terms of the particle model.

In Y4 of primary science, pupils learnt about ‘solids, liquids and gases’ and changes of state.

This unit covers the properties of solids, liquids, and gases using the particle model, including gas pressure. It explains changes of state in terms of the particle model while developing skills in using appropriate techniques, apparatus, and materials in lab work.

Solid, liquid, gas states and changes of state

Melting is when a substance changes from a solid state to a liquid state.

The melting point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from solid state to a liquid state.

Forces of attraction hold particles together.

In a solid state the particles are in a regular arrangement.

In a liquid state the particles are in a random arrangement.

A piece of laboratory equipment used to heat substances in scientific experiments.

A hot flame used for heating, produced when the collar is open to allow more air/oxygen in. It is dangerous because it can be difficult to see.

An orange flame produced when the collar is closed, allowing less air/oxygen in. It is cooler than a blue flame and easier to see, making it safer.

A small metal piece that can be turned to change the flame from orange to blue; it does not get hot.

A thin, long piece of wood used to light Bunsen burners.

Substances in the liquid state will take the shape of their container.

Particles in a substance in a solid state are in a fixed position and can only vibrate.

The melting point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from a solid state to a liquid state.

The freezing point is the temperature at which a substance changes from a liquid state to a solid state.

Substances in the gas state can be compressed to take up less space.

All substances are made of tiny particles, these move differently depending on the state of matter of the substance.

In a gas state the particles have a random movement, they move in all directions.

Compress means that something can be made to take up less space than before. Substances in the gas state can be compressed.

when a substance in the liquid state is heated, and gas bubbles are formed.

the temperature at which a substance changes from a liquid state to a gas state.

when a substance in the gas state is cooled and changes to a liquid state.

the temperature at which a substance changes from a gas state to a liquid state.

Particles gain or lose energy when a substance changes state.

When a particle of a substance in the liquid state at the surface, has enough energy to change to the gas state and mix with air.

The evaporation rate is a measure of how quickly a substance evaporates.

Ethanol is a type of alcohol that has a higher evaporation rate than water.

Solid, liquid, gas states and changes of state

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