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Science at key stage 3    (Year 7)

Unit 7G: Particle model of solids, liquids and gases
Section 6: b. How can the particle model explain other phenomena?

QCA

Objectives
Children should learn:
  • that gas particles are moving around all the time
  • that gas pressure is caused by particles hitting the walls of the container

Activities

Outcomes
Children:
  • Give pupils access to all the experiments they had at the start of the unit and ask groups to present explanations using particle models, eg orally or using flip charts, OHPs.
  • Demonstrate that gases mix by diffusion, eg by mixing bromine and air, or nitrogen dioxide and air, or allowing gas jars of hydrogen and air to mix. Use a range of methods, eg video clips, simulation software, pupils modelling, to illustrate the movement of gas particles and explain diffusion.
  • Discuss with pupils the idea of air particles all around before demonstrating the collapsing can experiment. Ask pupils, in groups, to explain why the can collapses; link their ideas back to pressure of gas inside and outside the can.
  • explain their observations using the particle theory
  • identify where there are contradictions in their ideas, when these are pointed out
  • describe gas particles as moving all the time and pushing against surfaces
  • explain that the can collapses because there are fewer air particles on the inside pushing out than on the outside pushing in

Points to note
  • Pumping air out of a can works well and helps pupils to focus on air inside and outside the container. Many pupils explain the collapse of the can in terms of air being sucked out rather than in terms of movement of molecules.
  • Pupils will have opportunities to revisit diffusion in unit 8F 'Compounds and mixtures' and unit 9L 'Pressure and moments'.

    • Safety

    • bromine and nitrogen dioxide are toxic and corrosive. Employer's risk assessments must be followed

Sections in this unit

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This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
1. How can we explain evidence from experiments?
2. How are theories created?
3. What are the differences between solids, liquids and gases?
4. How can the particle model explain the differences between solids, liquids and gases?
5. a. How can the particle model explain other phenomena?
6. b. How can the particle model explain other phenomena?
7. Reviewing work