Year 7 - Science
Solid and liquid states
Solid, liquid, gas states and changes of state
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit covers the properties of solids, liquids, and gases using the particle model, including gas pressure. It explains changes of state in terms of the particle model while developing skills in using appropriate techniques, apparatus, and materials in lab work.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe the properties of substances that are in the solid and liquid states.
Key Notes
- A substance may have a solid, liquid and gas state
- In the solid state a substance has a fixed shape, it does not flow and cannot be compressed
- In the liquid state a substance can flow, it fills the shape of its container and cannot be compressed
- All substances are made of particles that are too small to see
Vocabulary To Learn
- solid state: the substance has a fixed shape and cannot be compressed
- liquid state: the substance can flow, it fills the shape of its container and cannot be compressed
- gas state: the substance does not have a fixed shape and will take the shape of its container
- flow: when a substance can be poured from one place to another
- compress: when a substance is made to take up less space (volume)
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Students think that the particles are embedded in the substance
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
A substance may have a solid, liquid and gas state. In the solid state a substance has a fixed shape, it does not flow and cannot be compressed.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'solid state'
the substance has a fixed shape and cannot be compressed. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: Students think that the particles are embedded in the substance. Correction: Ensure that students are reminded that all matter is made of small particles and nothing is between the particles.
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