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GCSE Physics · key term
A state of matter whose particles are widely spaced, move constantly and randomly, and spread out to fill their container.
Used by Edexcel
Specification 14.16P · Paper 2
Revise: Compression and ExpansionA gas has no fixed shape or volume: it spreads out to fill the available space in its container. In the particle model, gas particles are widely separated and move constantly and randomly. Most of the gas's volume is therefore empty space between particles.
Describe compression as a decrease in the spaces between gas particles, not a decrease in the size of the particles.
Do not say that pressure adds or removes gas particles. In a sealed container, the number of particles remains constant while their spacing and the gas volume change.
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