Measuring heat energy
4 marks · NormalThe diagram shows particles in three different states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas.
Describe the arrangement and movement of particles in a solid.
Explain why solids cannot be easily compressed, using ideas about particles.
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(a) Particles are tightly packed in a regular arrangement and can only vibrate about fixed positions. · must show tightly packed, regular arrangement, vibrate, fixed positions
(b) Solids cannot be easily compressed because their particles are already close together and cannot be pushed closer. · must show particles close together, cannot be pushed closer
Also accept: Tightly packed, regular arrangement, vibrate in fixed positions for a; Particles are already as close as possible for b
Common mistakes: Describing liquids/gases when asked about solids; Saying particles in solids move freely
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Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · States that particles are tightly packed and in a regular arrangement.
B2 (a) · 1 mark · States that particles vibrate about fixed positions.
B3 (b) · 1 mark · States that particles are already very close together in solids.
B4 (b) · 1 mark · Explains that particles cannot be pushed closer together (so solid cannot be compressed).
Worked solution
a) In a solid, particles are packed closely together in a regular pattern. They cannot move from their positions but vibrate about them.
b) Solids cannot be compressed easily because the particles are already as close as possible, so there is no space to push them closer.