iGCSE Science (Physics)

Unit P4

Particles in Motion
Kinetic Theory
 Lesson Objectives
• State that all substances are made of particles
which have kinetic energy, so are moving
• Describe the differences between the particles in
solids, liquids and gases
• Describe how the energy and motion of particles
depends on the temperature of the substance
• Explain how gas pressure is caused by the motion
of particles, and why pressure increases with
temperature
• Describe how the motion of particles explains
diffusion
• Explain evaporation in terms of particle motion
 The Three States of Matter
Matter can be in one of three “states”. The three states of matter are SOLIDS,
LIQUIDS and GASES.
What are their properties?

Solid Liquid Gas

Very difficult to Difficult to compress, Easy to compress, can

compress, can’t be can be poured, take the be poured, spread out
poured, fixed shape shape of the container into all available space
 Particle theory
Particle theory is all about explaining the properties of solids, liquids and gases by looking at
what the particles do.

SOLIDS

In a solid the particles ______ around a _____

position. There is a ______ force of attraction
between each particle and they are very _____
together

Words – strong, close, vibrate, fixed

 LIQUIDS

In a liquid the particles are _____ together but

can move in any direction. They won’t keep a
_____ shape like _____ do.

GASES

In a gas the particles are very far apart and move

_____ in all directions. They often ______ with
each other and because they are far apart they
can be easily _______.

Words – fixed, collide, quickly, close, very, solids

Gas Pressure
• Particles are
constantly moving
• They will collide
with the walls of
their container
• This exerts a force
on the walls
• This causes a
pressure
Pressure and Temperature
• If temperature
increases, the
particles have more
kinetic energy
• This means they move
faster
• This means they
collide with the walls
of the container
harder and more often
• This increases the
pressure
 Pressure and Temperature

Lower temperature Lower kinetic Higher temperature Higher kinetic

energy Fewer collisions Lower energy More collisions Greater
pressure pressure
 Diffusion
Diffusion is when something travels from an area of high concentration to an area of low
concentration. For example, consider the scent from a hamburger…

The “scent particles” from this hamburger

are in high concentration here:

Eventually they will “diffuse” out into

this area of low concentration:
Diffusion
• The red particles
diffuse to the right
• The white particles
diffuse to the left
• This continues until
the particles are
eventually evenly
mixed.
Evaporation
• Particles have different
kinetic energies
• The particles with the
highest energies are able
to escape
• This reduces the average
kinetic energy of the
remaining particles
• This reduces the
temperature
• That is why evaporation
cools things down (eg
sweating)