Melting: particle model
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use the particle model to explain why substances have different melting points, and use a thermometer to measure melting points.
Key learning points
- In the solid state, forces of attraction between particles hold them in fixed positions.
- In the liquid state, particles are held together but have enough energy to break free to move around.
- The stronger the force of attraction between particles in a substance, the higher its melting point.
- Water freezes at 0ºC, room temperature is about 20ºC and body temperature is about 37ºC.
- The bulb of a thermometer is made of very thin glass and is delicate.
Keywords
Melting - Melting is when a substance changes from a solid state to a liquid state.
Melting point - The melting point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from solid state to a liquid state.
Forces of attraction - Forces of attraction hold particles together.
Regular arrangement - In a solid state the particles are in a regular arrangement.
Random arrangement - In a liquid state the particles are in a random arrangement.
Common misconception
Particle spacing can be overemphasised at the expense of particle movement.
Ensure pupils understand that although particles can move over each other, the forces of attraction mean that the particles are touching.
Teacher tip
Teachers can use a tray of marbles to represent particles, shake to show particles gaining energy and being able to move past each other.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the state of matter where particles are closely packed in a fixed arrangement?
Q2.Which of the following is a common temperature measurement tool?
Q3.Arrange the following states of matter, based on the freedom of particle movement (from least to most):
Q4.Match the states of matter with their particle arrangements:
Solid state
Liquid state
Gas state
Q5.Fill in the blank: The change of a substance from solid state to liquid state is called .
Q6.Fill in the blank: In solids, the hold the particles together.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What happens to the arrangement of particles when a substance changes from the solid state to the liquid state?
Q2.Fill in the blank: At room temperature, water is in the state.
Q3.Which description best fits the term 'regular arrangement'?
Q4.Arrange the following based on their melting points from lowest to highest:
Q5.The melting point is a particular at which a substance changes from the solid state to the liquid state.
Q6.Why is the bulb of a thermometer made of very thin glass?
To help you plan your 7 science lesson on: Melting: particle model, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 science lesson on: Melting: particle model, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Solid, liquid, gas states and changes of state unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.