Grade 10 Physical Sciences · Matter and Materials · Paper 2 (Chemistry)

States of Matter and Kinetic Theory Grade 10

Real States of Matter and Kinetic Theory past paper questions and answers from 2017 to 2025, with each memo split into the ticks examiners give. Try one, mark yourself, and see exactly which skill cost you marks.

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Question 1.2 · November 2019 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question numbers (1.1 to 1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 1.11 E. Each question has only ONE correct answer.

1.2 The heating curve, not drawn to scale, of a compound is shown below.

During which section(s) on the curve will the potential energy of the compound INCREASE?(2) Diagram for question 1.2

A BC only
B CD only
C AB and CD
D AB, BC and CD

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States of Matter and Kinetic Theory skills

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More States of Matter and Kinetic Theory Grade 10 questions and answers

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4. Question 3.1.1 · November 2019 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
3.1 The three isotopes of magnesium are Mg-24, Mg-25 and Mg-26. The percentage abundance of the three isotopes is $80%$ , $10%$ and $10%$ respectively.

Answer the questions that follow.
3.1.1 Define the term isotope.(2)
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Definition of isotopeAtoms of the same element having the same number of protons, but different number of neutrons.
  
  OR: Same atomic number, but different mass numbers.
  2 marks · Define matter and atom terms
5. Question 1.3 · November 2018 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
1.3 Different isotopes of the same element have different ...(2)
1. A atomic numbers.
2. B numbers of neutrons.
3. C numbers of protons.
4. D numbers of electrons.
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Correct optionIsotopes are atoms of the same element (same number of protons, so the same atomic number) with different numbers of neutrons, so they have different mass numbers.
  
  Answer: B
  2 marks · Define matter and atom terms
6. Question 2.1 · November 2018 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
The diagram below shows three different substances, P, Q and R.
2.1 Define the term element.(2)
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Definition of an elementA pure substance consisting of one type of atom.
  2 marks · Define matter and atom terms
7. Question 3.3 · November 2017 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 5 marks
The engineers at a car company conduct various tests on their cars. During one of the tests they measure the change in position during equal time intervals. The results obtained are recorded in the table below.
3.3 Use the information in the table above and draw an accurate position-time graph on the graph paper on the attached ANSWER SHEET.(5)
Show the memo (4 ticks)Memo
1. ✓
  y-axis label and unitThe vertical axis is labelled "Change in position (m)" (or "Position (m)").
  1 mark · Plot a graph from data
2. ✓
  x-axis label and unitThe horizontal axis is labelled "Time (s)".
  1 mark · Plot a graph from data
3. ✓
  Points plotted and joinedThe points $(0; 0)$ , $(1; 5)$ , $(2; 10)$ , $(3; 15)$ and $(4; 20)$ are plotted correctly and joined.
  2 marks · Plot a graph from data
4. ✓
  Shape of graphA straight line through the origin.
  1 mark · Plot a graph from data
8. Question 3.2 · September 2025 · Paper 2 · Provincial · 2 marks
The vapour pressure against temperature curves are drawn for THREE STRAIGHT CHAIN ALKANES. The vapour pressure are measured in mmHg. The atmospheric pressure is $760$ mmHg.
3.2 At what phase are the alkanes at room temperature? Write down only GAS, LIQUID or SOLID.

Give a reason for the answer.(2)
Show the memo (2 ticks)Memo
1. ✓
  PhaseLIQUID
  1 mark · Explain phase changes with particles
2. ✓
  ReasonThe boiling points of the substances are above room temperature.
  OR
  The vapour pressure of the substances at $25$ °C is below the atmospheric pressure.
  1 mark · Explain phase changes with particles
9. Question 1.1 · November 2024 · Paper 2 · Provincial · 2 marks
1.1 The process when a solid substance change directly to gaseous phase is called ...(2)
1. A evaporation.
2. B condensation.
3. C sublimation.
4. D boiling.
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Correct optionSublimation is the change of a solid directly into a gas without passing through the liquid phase. Evaporation and boiling start from a liquid; condensation is gas to liquid.
  
  Answer: C
  2 marks · Define matter and atom terms
10. Question 3.1 · November 2024 · Paper 2 · Provincial · 2 marks
Grade 10 learners conducted an experiment to determine the heating curve of water by using ice cubes. The experiment was set up as shown below.
3.1 Define the term temperature.(2)
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Definition of temperatureMeasure of the average kinetic energy of the particles.
  2 marks · Define matter and atom terms

States of Matter and Kinetic Theory Grade 10 videos

Short lessons from South African teachers first. Videos load only when you tap play, to save your data.

Grade 10 Chemistry: Matter, Terms & Definitions | Learn Fast for Exams (CAPS)Learnida

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Physical Sciences Practical investigation/experiments for grade 10-12Miss Martins Maths and Science

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