The arrangement of the particles
4 marks · NormalThe table shows some properties of three substances, P, Q and R, at room temperature. Use your knowledge of the arrangement and movement of particles in different states to answer the questions.
| Substance | Shape | Compressibility | Flows |
|---|---|---|---|
| P | Fixed | No | No |
| Q | Not fixed | Yes | Yes |
| R | Not fixed | No | Yes |
Identify the state of matter (solid, liquid or gas) for each substance: P, Q and R.
State one difference in particle arrangement between substances P and Q.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
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(a) P: solid, Q: gas, R: liquid
(b) Particles in P are closely packed in a regular arrangement, while in Q, particles are far apart and randomly arranged.
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Identifies P as solid.
B2 (a) · 1 mark · Identifies Q as gas.
B3 (a) · 1 mark · Identifies R as liquid.
B4 (b) · 1 mark · Gives a correct difference in particle arrangement between solid (P) and gas (Q): eg, P is regularly arranged, Q is randomly arranged, or P's particles are close together, Q's are far apart.
Worked solution
a) P is a solid (fixed shape, not compressible, does not flow), Q is a gas (not fixed shape, compressible, flows), R is a liquid (not fixed shape, not compressible, flows). b) In a solid (P), particles are closely packed in a regular arrangement; in a gas (Q), particles are far apart and randomly arranged.