Energy of moving particles
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Why this why now
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.
Prior knowledge requirements
- 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.
Threads
Why this why now
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.
Prior knowledge requirements
- 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.
Physics
Energy of moving particles
This unit covers energy changes in systems due to heating, forces, and electrical work. It explains reducing energy transfer via insulation, specific heat capacity, and latent heat. Emphasis is on calculations, planning experiments, data interpretation, and evaluating methods.
7 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Energy of moving particles unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our Edexcel secondary physics curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for Edexcel secondary physics programmes.