Particle model (2.1.2) | Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Physics 0972 (Extended) (2026–2028)

Learning Objectives

2.1.2 Particle model

Core	Supplement
$1 Describe the particle structure of solids, liquids and gases in terms of the arrangement, separation and motion of the particles and represent these states using simple particle diagrams 2 Describe the relationship between the motion of particles and temperature, including the idea that there is a lowest possible temperature (-273 °C), known as absolute zero, where the particles have least kinetic energy 3 Describe the pressure and the changes in pressure of a gas in terms of the motion of its particles and their collisions with a surface 4 Know that the random motion of microscopic particles in a suspension is evidence for the kinetic particle model of matter 5 Describe and explain this motion (sometimes known as Brownian motion) in terms of random collisions between the microscopic particles in a suspension and the particles of the gas or liquid$	$6 Know that the forces and distances between particles (atoms, molecules, ions and electrons) and the motion of the particles affects the properties of solids, liquids and gases 7 Describe the pressure and the changes in pressure of a gas in terms of the forces exerted by particles colliding with surfaces, creating a force per unit area 8 Know that microscopic particles may be moved by collisions with light fast-moving molecules and correctly use the terms atoms or molecules as distinct from microscopic particles$

Core

Supplement

1 Describe the particle structure of solids, liquids and gases in terms of the arrangement, separation and motion of the particles and represent these states using simple particle diagrams 2 Describe the relationship between the motion of particles and temperature, including the idea that there is a lowest possible temperature (-273 °C), known as absolute zero, where the particles have least kinetic energy 3 Describe the pressure and the changes in pressure of a gas in terms of the motion of its particles and their collisions with a surface 4 Know that the random motion of microscopic particles in a suspension is evidence for the kinetic particle model of matter 5 Describe and explain this motion (sometimes known as Brownian motion) in terms of random collisions between the microscopic particles in a suspension and the particles of the gas or liquid

6 Know that the forces and distances between particles (atoms, molecules, ions and electrons) and the motion of the particles affects the properties of solids, liquids and gases 7 Describe the pressure and the changes in pressure of a gas in terms of the forces exerted by particles colliding with surfaces, creating a force per unit area 8 Know that microscopic particles may be moved by collisions with light fast-moving molecules and correctly use the terms atoms or molecules as distinct from microscopic particles

Particle model