FULL NAMES
STUDENT NUMBER:
UNIQUE NUMBER: 696360
MODULE CODE: NST2601
MODULE NAME: SCIENCE FOR CLASSROOM 3
ASSIGNMENT: 03
DUE DATE: 31 JULY 2025
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Define the following:
(20 Marks)
a. Particle
In science, the term “particle” describes the tiny building blocks that make up all
substances. These are extremely small units that cannot be seen with the human eye,
yet they form the basis of all matter. Whether one is looking at a piece of wood, a glass
of water, or even the air we breathe, each of these consists of particles. In solids,
particles are packed close together in a fixed position and vibrate slowly. In liquids, the
particles still touch but have more space and can move around each other. Gases have
particles that are far apart and move fast in all directions. This particle behaviour helps
explain how substances change from one state to another when exposed to heat or
cold. Teaching learners about particles makes it easier for them to understand real-
world observations like melting, boiling, and condensation (UNISA, 2021: 12).
b. Atomic model
The atomic model is a simplified way scientists use to explain what atoms look like and
how they behave. Since atoms are too small to see, models are used to make their
structure easier to understand. Over time, scientists have improved these models. The
early model suggested atoms were solid, round balls. Later discoveries revealed that
atoms have smaller parts like protons, neutrons, and electrons. The most accepted
model now shows that atoms have a nucleus in the centre containing protons and
neutrons, while electrons move around it in regions called shells or orbitals. This model
helps explain why substances react differently and how materials behave under certain
conditions. Teachers use the atomic model to help learners visualise what they cannot
see but must understand to study chemistry and physics (UNISA, 2021: 18).
c. Subatomic
Subatomic means anything that exists within an atom and is smaller than the atom
itself. This includes particles like protons, neutrons, and electrons. These particles all
play a unique role in the way atoms behave. Protons have a positive charge and are
STUDENT NUMBER:
UNIQUE NUMBER: 696360
MODULE CODE: NST2601
MODULE NAME: SCIENCE FOR CLASSROOM 3
ASSIGNMENT: 03
DUE DATE: 31 JULY 2025
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Define the following:
(20 Marks)
a. Particle
In science, the term “particle” describes the tiny building blocks that make up all
substances. These are extremely small units that cannot be seen with the human eye,
yet they form the basis of all matter. Whether one is looking at a piece of wood, a glass
of water, or even the air we breathe, each of these consists of particles. In solids,
particles are packed close together in a fixed position and vibrate slowly. In liquids, the
particles still touch but have more space and can move around each other. Gases have
particles that are far apart and move fast in all directions. This particle behaviour helps
explain how substances change from one state to another when exposed to heat or
cold. Teaching learners about particles makes it easier for them to understand real-
world observations like melting, boiling, and condensation (UNISA, 2021: 12).
b. Atomic model
The atomic model is a simplified way scientists use to explain what atoms look like and
how they behave. Since atoms are too small to see, models are used to make their
structure easier to understand. Over time, scientists have improved these models. The
early model suggested atoms were solid, round balls. Later discoveries revealed that
atoms have smaller parts like protons, neutrons, and electrons. The most accepted
model now shows that atoms have a nucleus in the centre containing protons and
neutrons, while electrons move around it in regions called shells or orbitals. This model
helps explain why substances react differently and how materials behave under certain
conditions. Teachers use the atomic model to help learners visualise what they cannot
see but must understand to study chemistry and physics (UNISA, 2021: 18).
c. Subatomic
Subatomic means anything that exists within an atom and is smaller than the atom
itself. This includes particles like protons, neutrons, and electrons. These particles all
play a unique role in the way atoms behave. Protons have a positive charge and are
