K323 / 2027

Chapter 9

Thermal properties of matter

Energy can change a substance's temperature or its state.

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  1. Internal energy

    Distinguish temperature from the total kinetic and potential contributions to internal energy.

  2. Heat capacity and specific heat capacity

    Calculate energy for a temperature change and interpret a heating measurement.

  3. Changes of state

    Explain melting, solidification, boiling and condensation while temperature remains constant.

  4. Boiling and evaporation

    Distinguish surface evaporation from boiling and explain evaporative cooling.

  5. Latent heat

    Calculate energy for a change of state, separate thermal stages and interpret melting measurements.

  6. Cooling curves

    Sketch and interpret temperature-time graphs and evaluate a temperature probe record.

Syllabus coverage

This chapter covers Thermal properties of matter, topic 9(a-i), in the K323 syllabus (2027) and 6091 (2026).

Choose the appropriate energy calculation and explain the result using particles.

Includes heat capacity, evaporation, latent heat, cooling curves and thermal measurements.

View the learning outcomes
9(a)
Describe internal energy as total random particle kinetic energy plus total potential energy between particles. Internal energy
9(b)
Define heat capacity and specific heat capacity. Heat capacity and specific heat capacity
9(c)
Apply energy transfer = mass x specific heat capacity x temperature change. Heat capacity and specific heat capacity
9(d)
Describe melting, solidification, boiling and condensation as energy transfers without a temperature change. Changes of state
9(e)
Explain the difference between boiling and evaporation. Boiling and evaporation
9(f)
Define latent heat and specific latent heat. Latent heat
9(g)
Apply energy transfer for a change of state = mass x specific latent heat. Latent heat
9(h)
Explain latent heat in terms of particle behaviour. Changes of stateLatent heat
9(i)
Sketch and interpret a cooling curve. Cooling curves