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Year 10 - Science

Heating and cooling curves

States of matter

Unit Summary

This unit covers the particle model, states of matter, and changes between them, distinguishing physical from chemical changes. It explains the concept of purity in scientific terms, using melting point data to identify pure and impure substances, and explores the limitations of the particle model.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the shape of a heating/cooling curve by describing the energy changes through the heating/cooling of a substance.

Key Notes

  • An experiment can be planned to measure the temperature change through continuous heating of a substance
  • Energy is needed to overcome forces of attraction between particles so temperature does not change when changing state
  • The change in state of pure substances can be seen on a heating/cooling curve as a horizontal line
  • There is a change of energy, arrangement, and organisation of particles of a pure substance at each stage

Vocabulary To Learn

  • heating curve: shows temperature changes of a substance over time as it is heated.
  • cooling curve: shows temperature changes of a substance over time as it is cooled.
  • intermolecular forces: are forces between particles.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils struggle to understand what is taking place at the horizontal parts of the graph.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

An experiment can be planned to measure the temperature change through continuous heating of a substance. Energy is needed to overcome forces of attraction between particles so temperature does not change when changing state.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'heating curve'

shows temperature changes of a substance over time as it is heated. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils struggle to understand what is taking place at the horizontal parts of the graph. Correction: Be concise with your language and ask pupils to use the same language. 'have enough energy to overcome the forces of attraction between particles', 'to slide past each other', 'to move past each other'.

More Lessons In This Unit

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