4.3.1.2 State

Spec reference: 4.3.1 (subtopic).

What you need to know

• State
• If a system gains more energy, it can lead to a change in temperature
• or change in state. If the system is heated enough, then there will be
• enough energy to break bonds.
• When something changes state, there is no chemical change, only
• physical. No new substance is formed. The substance will change back
• to its original form. The number of particles does not change and mass
• is conserved.

Self-assessment (checklist)

• I can describe the different changes of state.
• I can describe what happens to the mass of a
• I can explain why a change of state is different to a

Key steps (method)

• Identify what the question is testing and use the correct equation/definition.
• Show substitutions and units clearly.

Common mistakes

• Unit conversions, rearranging errors, or quoting a law without applying it.