Properties of Matter - Definitions

Question 1

pressure

Answer 1

the force exerted on one square metre

Question 2

temperature

Answer 2

a measure of the mean kinetic energy of it’s particles

Question 3

Specific heat capacity

Answer 3

the heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1kg of a substance by 1 degree

Question 4

Specific Latent heat of vaporisation

Answer 4

the heat energy required to change 1kg of a substance from a liquid at it’s boiling point to a gas. (works both ways - eg Gas condensing to liquid)

Question 5

Specific latent heat of fusion

Answer 5

the heat energy required to change 1kg of a substance from a solid at it’s melting point to a liquid. (works both ways- eg Liquid freezing to solid)

Question 6

Boyle’s Law

Answer 6

As the volume is decreased the molecules of a gas have less space to move around in. So they hit the walls of the container more often causing a rise in pressure

Question 7

Pressure Law

Answer 7

As the temperature is Increased the molecules of a gas have more Kinetic energy (move faster). So,they hit the walls of the container more often causing a rise in pressure

Question 8

Charles’s Law

Answer 8

as the temperature is Increased the molecules of a gas have more kinetic energy (move faster). So,they push the walls of the container outwards causing an increase in Volume

Question 9

Absolute Zero

Answer 9

the lowest temperature that is theoretically possible, at which the motion of particles which constitutes heat would be minimal.