Interconversions between the three states of matter
3 marks · EasyThe diagram below represents the arrangement of particles in a solid, a liquid, and a gas.
Describe the arrangement of particles in the solid region.
Describe the arrangement of particles in the gas region.
Explain how the differences in particle arrangement relate to the three states of matter.
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(a) Particles are arranged in a regular, closely packed pattern.
(b) Particles are far apart and spread randomly.
(c) Solids have particles fixed in place and tightly packed, so they hold their shape. Gases have particles that are far apart and move in all directions, so a gas fills the container.
Must show: Solid: regular and close-packed, Gas: far apart, random
Common mistakes: Describing movement not arrangement; Mixing up state properties
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Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Describes the solid as regular and closely packed.
B2 (b) · 1 mark · Describes the gas as randomly arranged and far apart.
B3 (c) · 1 mark · Explains how differences in arrangement relate to each state.
Worked solution
a) Regular and closely packed. b) Far apart and randomly spread. c) In solids, particles are fixed so the solid keeps its shape, while gases spread to fill the container due to particle arrangement.