KS3 & KS4 science curriculum

This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Particle explanations of density and pressure, where they explored how particle behaviour affects density and pressure in different states of matter. It deepens their understanding by examining the energy of moving particles and how energy is transferred in different systems. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Nuclear physics, where they will apply this knowledge to explore atomic structure, radioactive decay, and how energy is released in nuclear processes, reinforcing concepts of particle behaviour and energy transfer.

1. Thermal conduction and insulation
2. Effective insulation
3. Heating different substances
4. Calculating specific heat capacity (∆E = m c ∆θ)
5. Measuring specific heat capacity
6. A heating curve for water
7. Specific latent heat (E = m L)

• The temperature along a thermal conductor increases quickly when it is heated.
• The temperature along a thermal insulator increases very slowly when it is heated.
• In thermal conductors, vibrating particles quickly cause the particles near to them to vibrate as well.
• The faster the particles in something are vibrating or moving, the higher its temperature.
• The more energy something has because its particles are vibrating or moving, the more it can heat something else.
• It is easier to increase the temperature of some materials than others.
• The same amount of different materials at the same temperature can cause different amounts of heating.
• The particles and the bonds between particles are different in different substances.