GENERAL CHEMISTRY 2
Grade Level:
Score:
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
KINETIC MOLECULAR MODEL OF SOLIDS AND LIQUIDS
Background Information for the Learners (BIL)
In the previous lessons in General Chemistry 1, you have learned about
the kinetic molecular model of gases. This activity sheet will mainly focus on
the kinetic molecular model of solids and liquids.
Matter can exist in three main different states: namely, solid, liquid, and
gas. The most common example of which is water. You only have to think about
water to appreciate how different the
three states of matter are. Steam
bathing, drinking, and ice skating are all
done in contact with water in its various
forms. But how do these states of matter
differ with each other? Understanding the
kinetic molecular model of the three
:
What is Kinetic Molecular Theory?
‘The kinetic-molecular theary is a theory that explains the states of matter
and is based on the idea that matter is composed of tiny particles that are
always in motion. The theory helps explain observable properties and behaviors
of solids, liquids, and gases. An application of the theory is that it helps to
explain why matter exists in different phases (solid, liquid, and gas) and how
matter can change from one phase to another.
NOTE: Practice personal hygiene protocols at all mes‘The state of a substance depends on the balance between the kinetic
energy of the individual particles (molecules or atoms) and the intermolecular
forces. The kinetic energy keeps the molecules apart and moving around, and
is a function of the temperature of the substance. The intermolecular forces are
attractive forces that try to draw the particles together.
Postulates of Kinetic Molecular Theory
The Kinetic Molecular Theory (KMT) is based on a series of postulates. Some
of the postulates of KMT are as follows:
4. Matter is made of particles that are constantly in motion. This energy in
motion is called kinetic energy:
2. The amount of kinetic energy in a substance is related to its temperature.
Increased temperature means greater speed.
3. There is space between particles. The amount of space in between
particles is related to the substance's state of matter.
4. Phase changes happen when the temperature of the substance changes
‘sufficiently.
5. There are attractive forces in between particles called intermolecular
forces. The strength of these forces increase as particles get closer
‘together.
KMT of Liquids and Solids
‘The principal difference between the condensed states (liquids and
solids) and the gaseous state is the distance between molecules. In a liquid,
the molecules are so close together that there is very little empty space. Thus,
liquids are much more difficult to compress than gases, and they are also much
denser under normal conditions. Molecules in a liquid are held together by one
‘or more types of attractive forces. A liquid also has a definite volume, because
molecules in a liquid do not break away from the attractive forces. The
molecules can, however, move past one another freely, and so a liquid can
flow, can be poured, and assumes the shape of its container.
Ina solid, molecules are held rigidly in position with virtually no freedom
‘of motion, so they only vibrate only about fixed positions. There is even less
NOTE: Practice personal hygiene protocols at all times‘empty space in a solid than in a liquid because their particles are tightly packed.
Thus, solids are almost incompressible and possess definite shape and
volume. This is due to stronger intermolecular force of attraction compared to
liquids.
add energy Change in
figure shows
® the orientation
of particles in
e e each state and
.¥ the direction of
ae