AQA GCSE Physics Physics Paper 1 (Foundation), November 2021: Question 1
8 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer
Investigate states of matter, particle arrangements, temperature-time heating curves, changes of state, specific latent heat calculations, and sublimation.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
01.1 A student investigated the three states of matter.
The arrangement of particles in the three states of matter are different.
Draw one line from each particle arrangement to the state of matter.
[2 marks]
A large lump of ice was heated and changed state.
Figure 1 shows how the temperature varied with time.
Figure 1
01.2 Which part of Figure 1 shows when the ice was melting?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
A B C D
01.3 Which part of Figure 1 shows when the water was boiling?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
A B C4 D
01.4 Which property of the water particles changes as the temperature of the
water increases?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
The kinetic energy of the particles
The mass of each particle
The number of particles
01.5 Calculate the thermal energy needed to melt 0.250 kg of ice at 0 °C.
specific latent heat of fusion of water = 334 000 J/kg
Use the equation:
thermal energy = mass × specific latent heat
[2 marks]
Thermal energy = J
01.6 Complete the sentence.
Choose the answer from the box.
[1 mark]
condenses evaporates ionises sublimates
A substance is heated and changes directly from a solid to a gas.
The substance .
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Question 1
AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
01.1 2 marks for all correct 2 AO1
1 mark for 1 or 2 correct 4.3.1.1
01.2 B 1 AO1
4.3.2.3
01.3 D 1 AO1
4.3.2.3
01.4 the kinetic energy of the 1 AO1
particles 4.3.2.1
4.3.3.1
AO2
01.5 E = 0.250 × 334 000 1
4.3.2.3
E = 83 500 (J) 1
01.6 sublimates 1 AO1
4.3.1.2
Total 8
How to answer it
Particle Model of Matter Study Guide
What this question tests
This question assesses your understanding of the particle model of matter (states of matter, particle arrangements, interpreting heating graphs, changes of state, specific latent heat calculations, and sublimation).
States of Matter & Particle Arrangements
✅ Correct Answer
- Top box (ordered regular grid): Solid
- Middle box (random, touching particles): Gas (Note: Depending on exact diagram interpretation, ensure you match regular lattice to solid, close random to liquid, and spread random to gas based on standard AQA diagrams where top=solid, middle=gas, bottom=liquid or vice-versa. Always check density and spacing!)
💡 Key Knowledge
- Solids: Regular arrangement, packed close together, vibrating about fixed positions.
- Liquids: Random arrangement, close together, able to move past each other.
- Gases: Random arrangement, far apart, moving quickly in all directions.
Melting on a Heating Graph
✅ Correct Answer
Tick box B
🧠 Exam Technique
Look for flat sections (plateaus) on a temperature-time graph. Flat sections represent a change of state where thermal energy is being used to break intermolecular bonds rather than increase temperature. Since ice starts below 0 °C (section A), section B is the flat region at 0 °C where ice melts into water.
Boiling on a Heating Graph
✅ Correct Answer
Tick box D
💡 Key Knowledge
Water boils at 100 °C. Section D shows the flat plateau at 100 °C where liquid water changes state into water vapour (gas).
Particle Properties During Temperature Rise
✅ Correct Answer
Tick: The kinetic energy of the particles
❌ Common Errors
Students often incorrectly guess that the mass or number of particles changes when heated. Remember that mass and particle count remain constant during simple heating; only their average kinetic energy (speed) increases.
Specific Latent Heat Calculation
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
Equation: thermal energy = mass × specific latent heat ( E = m × L )
- Substitute the values into the equation:
E = 0.250 × 334 000 - Calculate the final value:
E = 83 500 J
❌ Common Errors & Traps
Make sure you do not try to use a temperature change in this formula! Latent heat calculations involve changes of state at a constant temperature, so there is no temperature value ( ΔT ) needed.
Changes of State Terminology
✅ Correct Answer
The substance sublimates.
💡 Key Knowledge
- Sublimation: Solid directly to gas (e.g., solid carbon dioxide / dry ice).
- Condensation: Gas to liquid.
- Evaporation/Boiling: Liquid to gas.
Topics
Physics · P3: Particle Model of Matter
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Physics examination, Physics Paper 1 (Foundation), November 2021. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.