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SingaporeChemistry

The Particulate Nature of Matter

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What happens to particles when a substance melts, boils or spreads out, and why does temperature stay constant during a change of state?

Name and describe the changes of state in terms of energy and particle movement, and explain diffusion using the particle model
A focused answer to the N(A) Chemistry outcome on changes of state and diffusion. Melting, boiling, freezing, condensing and sublimation in terms of particles and energy, why temperature is constant during a change, and how diffusion works.
8 min answer →

What is the difference between an element, a compound and a mixture at the particle level?

Define elements, compounds and mixtures, distinguish atoms, molecules and ions, and explain how a compound differs from a mixture
A focused answer to the N(A) Chemistry outcome on classifying matter. What elements, compounds and mixtures are, how atoms, molecules and ions differ, and why a compound is so different from a mixture of the same elements.
8 min answer →

How does the arrangement and movement of particles explain the properties of solids, liquids and gases?

Describe the arrangement, movement and energy of particles in solids, liquids and gases and use the particle model to explain their properties
A focused answer to the N(A) Chemistry outcome on the three states of matter. The arrangement, spacing, movement and energy of particles in solids, liquids and gases, and how the model explains shape, volume and compressibility.
8 min answer →