Water particles

Task

 The diagrams above show what happened when some ice cubes in a beaker were heated over
a gentle Bunsen flame.
 Use the diagrams to explain in detail what is happening to the water particles.
 Remember to use keywords correctly.

Think about:

 What state(s) are the particles in?

 What changes of state have taken place?

 How are the particles arranged in each state?

 What caused the arrangement to change?
 What are the properties of each state and how can these be explained?

 What is inside the bubbles in the final diagram?

 What will happen to the mass of the beaker and its contents from the start to the end of
heating? Why?

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 Water particles
Water particles

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 Water particles
Teaching notes

This task is designed to be used after teaching of the particle model. The task allows the
students to use ideas about the particle model to explain what is happening to the particles in
ice cubes as they are gently heated over a Bunsen burner.
The task could be demonstrated before students complete the written work.
This can be used as a class activity or homework at the end of the unit. The students could be
provided with the marking criteria below to help them. Students should be provided with a
structure strip with the diagrams and encouraged to write next to each picture.

Self/peer
Threshold Criteria
assessment

Identify the points where the particles are arranged as solid,

liquid or gas.
Developing
Correctly name the changes of state between solid to liquid
and liquid to gas.

Include diagrams to show the arrangement of particles in each

state.
Secure

Suggest a property for water in each of the states.

Use the particle model to explain the suggested properties of

water in each state.
Good

Use a range of relevant keywords correctly.

Predict what is inside the bubbles in the final diagram and

explain the reasons for your prediction.
Outstanding
Make predictions about the mass of the beaker and its
contents from the start to the end of heating. Explain the
reasons behind your prediction.

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