Particulate nature of matter — KCSE Physics

KCSE Physics · 108 practice questions · 8 syllabus objectives

30 easy40 medium38 hard

What You'll Learn

Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.

Give evidence that matter is made up of tiny particles

Describe experiments to show Brownian motion and explain it in terms of particle movement

Explain the states of matter in terms of particle movement and explain diffusion

Give evidence that matter is made up of tiny particles and describe particle arrangement in solids, liquids and gases

Describe Brownian motion experiments and explain observations in terms of kinetic theory

Define diffusion, state Graham’s law and solve problems involving diffusion of gases

Use the kinetic theory to explain pressure, volume and temperature changes in gases

Identify changes of state and interpret heating and cooling curves

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easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

Define the process of condensation and explain how it relates to the cooling curve of a gas. (3 marks)

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Part (a) — 1 mark

Condensation is the process where a gas changes into a liquid upon cooling. (1 mk)

Part (b) — 2 marks

In the cooling curve, condensation occurs at a constant temperature where the gas releases heat energy. (1 mk)

This release of heat energy allows the gas molecules to lose kinetic energy and form intermolecular bonds, transitioning to the liquid state. (1 mk)

easySHORT ANSWER2 marks

Name two phenomena that support the idea that gases consist of tiny particles. (2 marks)

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Part (a) — 2 marks

The ability of gases to fill the entire volume of a container (1 mk)

The diffusion of perfume in a room over time (1 mk)

easySHORT ANSWER2 marks

Name two observations that demonstrate the particulate nature of matter when a solid dissolves in a liquid. (2 marks)

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Part (a) — 2 marks

The solid disappears from view as it mixes with the liquid (1 mk)

The solution takes on the colour or properties of the dissolved solid (1 mk)

Define the term 'latent heat' and explain its significance during a change of state. (3 marks)

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