IB Physics SL B.1.1 Molecular states

Practise comparing solids, liquids and gases using particle spacing, motion and forces, including why water’s density is unusual.

Exam points

compare solid, liquid and gas particles at the same temperature by linking spacing, motion and force strength
explain why most solids are denser than liquids using same mass, smaller volume and closer particle packing
use water’s density anomaly to explain why ice floats and how surface ice helps liquid water below remain unfrozen

[Maximum number: 2]

A cylindrical cork of height H and cross-sectional area A is floating stationary in water. Its depth below the water surface is D.

Figure for Question B.1.1—Molecular states question 1 — IB Physics SL

Explain why the density of most substances in a solid state is larger than its density in a liquid state.

Water shows an anomaly with respect to what is stated in (c)(i).
Graph 1 shows the variation with temperature of the density of water between $-100^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ and $100^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ . Graph 2 shows the same graph enlarged for the range 0 to $10^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ .

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B.1.1—Molecular states question 1