36 exam-style questions on Introduction to the particulate nature of matter — topic S1.1 of Structure 1: Models of the particulate nature of matter in the IB Chemistry syllabus — with answers and explanations. Samples below; the full set is free with an account.
State which change of state describes a solid turning directly into a gas without passing through the liquid phase.
Answer: Sublimation
Sublimation is the direct solid-to-gas transition (e.g. solid CO2); the reverse gas-to-solid change is deposition.
Outline what happens to the average kinetic energy of the particles in a gas as its temperature in kelvin is doubled.
Answer: It doubles
Average kinetic energy is directly proportional to absolute (kelvin) temperature, so doubling T doubles the average kinetic energy.
State which property increases when a substance changes from the solid state to the gaseous state.
Answer: Distance between particles
In a gas the particles are far apart with negligible forces between them; density, order and force strength all decrease from solid to gas.
State which technique separates the coloured components of an ink based on their differing solubilities and adsorption.
Answer: Chromatography
Chromatography separates components by how strongly they interact with the stationary phase versus the mobile phase (solvent).
Distinguish between an element and a compound by stating which statement is correct.
Answer: A compound contains two or more elements chemically bonded in a fixed ratio
A compound is two or more elements chemically combined in a fixed ratio; an element cannot be broken down chemically into simpler substances.
State which change of state is exothermic (releases energy to the surroundings).
Answer: Freezing
Freezing (liquid to solid) releases energy as intermolecular forces form; melting, boiling and sublimation all absorb energy.
That was 6 of 36 Introduction to the particulate nature of matter questions.
Practise all 36 freeStateAO1 · 1–2 marks
One word or one short sentence. No explanation, no working: the mark is for the fact itself.
DefineAO1 · 1–2 marks
Give the precise meaning — one sentence, the key terms in it, no example needed unless asked.
ExplainAO2 · 1–4 marks
Give reasons or causes: say what happens AND why, linking each step with 'because' or 'so that'.
All of Structure 1: Models of the particulate nature of matter →
36 Introduction to the particulate nature of matter questions — free with an account. Spaced repetition, streaks and full exam simulations included.
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