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Changes of StateEdexcel IGCSE Physics: Flashcards

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What happens to the temperature of a substance during a change of state, even while it is being heated?

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What happens to the temperature of a substance during a change of state, even while it is being heated?
The temperature stays constant, because the energy supplied is used to change the arrangement of particles, not to raise their kinetic energy.
Define melting.
The change of state from solid to liquid, occurring at a fixed melting point.
Define boiling.
The change of state from liquid to gas, occurring throughout the liquid at a fixed temperature (the boiling point).
How does evaporation differ from boiling?
Evaporation occurs only at the surface of a liquid and can happen at any temperature below the boiling point; boiling occurs throughout the liquid at a fixed temperature.
Describe the arrangement and motion of particles in a solid.
Regularly arranged, closely packed, and vibrating about fixed positions.
Describe the arrangement and motion of particles in a liquid.
Randomly arranged but close together, moving around and sliding past each other.
Describe the arrangement and motion of particles in a gas.
Randomly arranged, far apart, moving freely at high speed in all directions.
Define specific heat capacity.
The energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C, measured in J/kg°C.
State the equation for calculating energy transferred using specific heat capacity.
ΔQ = m × c × ΔT
What does a flat section on a temperature-time heating graph indicate?
The substance is undergoing a change of state (melting or boiling) — energy is still being supplied, but it is used to change particle arrangement, not raise temperature.
Calculate the energy needed to raise 3 kg of water (c = 4200 J/kg°C) by 10°C.
ΔQ = m × c × ΔT = 3 × 4200 × 10 = 126,000 J
How can specific heat capacity be measured experimentally?
Heat a known mass of material with a known electrical power for a measured time, record the temperature rise, and calculate c using ΔQ = m × c × ΔT.