Measuring heat energy
2 marks · EasyExplain why gases are easy to compress but solids are not. Give a reason referring to the particle model.
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Gases are easy to compress because their particles are far apart with large spaces between them, while solids are not because their particles are tightly packed.
Must show: spacing in gas large, spacing in solids small
Common mistakes: Not referring to particle arrangement.
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Correctly states that gas particles are far apart (large spaces).
B2 · 1 mark · Correctly states that solid particles are tightly packed (almost no spaces).
Worked solution
Gases are easy to compress because their particles are far apart with large spaces, so they can be pushed closer together. Solids are difficult to compress because their particles are tightly packed and there is little space to squeeze them closer.