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      Predicting states of matter and limitations of the particle model

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use the particle model to predict the state of matter of a substance at different temperatures and discuss the limitations of this model for explaining how particles behave.

      Key learning points

      1. There are changes in arrangement, movement and energy of particles during state changes.
      2. There are two types of change; physical and chemical, and the physical state of a substance can be predicted.
      3. The attraction between particles has a role in determining the amount of energy needed for state changes.
      4. The particle model has limitations, for example by showing particles as same sized, inelastic spheres.
      5. The model does not show the attraction between the particles which affects the amount of energy needed to change state.

      Keywords

      • Physical change - A change in which no new substances are formed, such as a change in state, e.g. melting.

      • Chemical change - Occurs when a reaction takes place and atoms or ions in the reactants are rearranged to make new products/substances.

      • Particle model - A model that helps us to understand physical properties of substances. It uses circles or spheres to represent particles, i.e. atoms or compounds.

      • Limitation of a model - A point at which we cannot use the model to help us explain a scientific phenomena.

      Common misconception

      Pupils often confuse physical and chemical changes and think that all particles look and act like those shown in the particle model.

      Give the pupils an array of different examples of physical and chemical reactions and get the pupils to consider if new substances have been produced. Show the pupils, using molymods, how different molecules can be.

      Teacher tip

      Use different strength magnets to help pupils understand forces of attraction having varying strengths.

      Equipment

      Optional: pair of magnets that have different magnetic strengths.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following statements can correctly finish this sentence? Substances in a solid state ...

      Correct answer: cannot be compressed.
      Correct answer: do not take the shape of the container they are in.
      have larger particles than all substances in a liquid state.
      have particles which have no energy at all.
      Correct answer: have particles that vibrate around their fixed positions.

      Q2.
      Which of the following statements can correctly finish this sentence? Substances in a liquid state …

      Correct answer: at their boiling point can form bubbles of the substance anywhere in the liquid.
      Correct answer: cannot be compressed.
      Correct answer: have particles at the surface which may have enough energy to escape.
      have particles that cannot move around and over each other.
      Correct answer: take the shape of the bottom of the container they are in.

      Q3.
      Which of the following statements can correctly finish this sentence? Substances in a gas state …

      Correct answer: are formed in the bubbles inside a liquid at boiling point.
      Correct answer: can be compressed.
      have particles that are not attracted to each other at all, ever.
      Correct answer: have particles that can escape an open container to fill all the space.
      Correct answer: take the shape of the whole of the container they are in.

      Q4.
      As particles gain energy, they are able to overcome the between them.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: forces of attraction

      Q5.
      Which aspects of a particle change when a substance’s state of matter changes?

      Correct answer: arrangement relative to other particles
      Correct answer: energy of particle
      Correct answer: movement of particle
      shape of particle
      size of particle

      Q6.
      Match the following terms to their definitions.

      Correct Answer:boiling point,temperature where substance changes from liquid state to gas state

      temperature where substance changes from liquid state to gas state

      Correct Answer:condensing point,temperature where substance changes from gas state to liquid state

      temperature where substance changes from gas state to liquid state

      Correct Answer:freezing point,temperature where substance changes from liquid state to solid state

      temperature where substance changes from liquid state to solid state

      Correct Answer:melting point,temperature where substance changes from solid state to liquid state

      temperature where substance changes from solid state to liquid state

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      In the main image, the important information has been replaced with grey boxes. Which of the three answer images is an accurate representation of a chemical change of substances in the same state?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q2.
      Sort the following states and the temperatures at which changes of state occur into the correct order, starting with a substance in the gas state.

      1 - substance in the gas state
      2 - condensing point
      3 - substance in the liquid state
      4 - freezing point
      5 - substance in the solid state

      Q3.
      At which temperature are all of the following substances in a liquid state?

      An image in a quiz
      at -200$$^o$$C
      at 25$$^o$$C
      at 1500$$^o$$C
      between 0 and 100$$^o$$C
      Correct answer: never

      Q4.
      Three balloons are filled with neon, methane and oxygen, respectively (see image). Why would you expect the substance in the middle balloon to have the highest boiling point?

      An image in a quiz
      it has more than one type of atom in its molecules
      it has strong covalent bonds in the molecules
      Correct answer: it has stronger intermolecular forces between the particles
      it has the biggest particles and they do not move

      Q5.
      Which of the following statements are correct?

      ionic substances have weak electrostatic forces of attraction
      Correct answer: metallic bonds are the attraction between metal ions and delocalised electrons
      Correct answer: particles are shown as solid spheres but are mainly empty space
      Correct answer: small covalent substances have weak forces of attraction between molecules
      Correct answer: the particle model does not show the movement or elasticity of particles

      Q6.
      The image shows the sublimation of carbon dioxide. What are some of the limitations of this representation?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: the model does not show attraction between particles which affects state change
      Correct answer: the model does not show bonds or forces
      the model shows metallic bonding incorrectly
      Correct answer: the particles are all shown as having the same size
      Correct answer: the particles are shown as inelastic spheres

      To help you plan your 10 combined science lesson on: Predicting states of matter and limitations of the particle model, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...