GCSE Physics: Particle Model Revision

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What does specific latent heat measure?

Particle Model is a core part of GCSE Physics. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.

Key concepts

Boyle's lawpV = constant at fixed T

Compress -> heatWork done on gas

Cooling curvePlateaus at state change

Particle motionFaster when hotter

Mean kinetic energyProportional to T (K)

Brownian motionRandom particle motion

ΔE = m c ΔθEnergy needed to change temperature; c is the specific heat capacity.

E = m LLatent heat

c water4200 J/kg/C

L fusion ice334 kJ/kg

L vap water2260 kJ/kg

Densityrho = m/V

SolidVibrate in fixed positions

LiquidSlide; close together

What your exam board covers

Where Particle Model sits in each exam board's specification. Tap a board to see what it lists.

AQAParticle model of matterSpec 8463

Changes of state and the particle model
Internal energy and energy transfers
Particle model and pressure (physics only)

Source: AQA GCSE Physics (8463) specification — Subject content, accessed 23 June 2026.

EdexcelTopic 14 — Particle modelSpec 1PH0

Part of: Paper 2 topics

Source: Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Physics (1PH0) specification, accessed 23 June 2026.

Eduqas/WJECParticle model of matterSpec C420P (QAN 601/8624/0)

Particle model of matter

Source: Eduqas/WJEC GCSE Physics specification (from 2016), accessed 24 June 2026.

Learn Particle Model step by step

Free interactive mini-lessons: short screens, worked examples and quick checks. Pick your exam board:

Other boards:CCEA OCR Cambridge IGCSE Edexcel IGCSE

Common mistakes to avoid

Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:

What does specific latent heat measure?✗ The energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg by 1 degree. ✓ The energy required to change the state of 1 kg of a substance without changing its temperature.

Practise Particle Model — free games

Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic:

▶ Two Truths, One Lie ▶ Reveal Race ▶ Connections Grid ▶ Falling Words ▶ Word Web

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Particle Model

Key concepts

What your exam board covers

Common mistakes to avoid

Practise Particle Model — free games

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