Particle Model - GCSE Chemistry Definition

Reviewed by: Richard Boole

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The Particle Model is a scientific idea used to explain the structure and behaviour of matter. It states that all substances are made of tiny particles—these can be atoms, molecules, or ions. The way these particles are arranged and how they move helps explain the three states of matter:

  • In a solid, particles are tightly packed in a fixed arrangement and vibrate in place.

  • In a liquid, particles are close together but can move past each other, so liquids can flow.

  • In a gas, particles are far apart and move quickly in all directions, filling the space around them.

The Particle Model helps explain physical changes like melting, boiling, and condensing, and is a key concept in GCSE Chemistry.

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Richard Boole

Reviewer: Richard Boole

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Richard has taught Chemistry for over 15 years as well as working as a science tutor, examiner, content creator and author. He wasn’t the greatest at exams and only discovered how to revise in his final year at university. That knowledge made him want to help students learn how to revise, challenge them to think about what they actually know and hopefully succeed; so here he is, happily, at SME.

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