2 Mats structure Questions What are the three states of matter? Which state of matter can be compressed (squashed) easily? Which state of matter cannot be poured? List the properties of solids. Name a property of liquids that they do not share with solids. ‘Name a property of gases that they share with liquids. Noanrwnas ‘Name a property of gases that they do not share with solids or liquids. Scientists look at what matter does Scientists try to explain what they see, Here are some examples of how matter behaves that scientists have tried to explain. + You can smell food cooking in another room. + Some substances get bigger when you heat them. + Liquids, such as water, change to a gas when you heat them, + Substances change from liquid to solid if you cool them. Scientists think about why these things happen and try to come up with ideas to explain it. They form an hypothesis, which is a suggestion for an explanation, This hypothesis can then be tested by carrying out ‘more investigations. When an hypothesis has been tested and widely accepted as valid by other scientists, itis called a theory. ‘The best theory to explain how matter behaves uses the idea of particles, Particles are tiny portions of matter. This theory says that all matter is made up of tiny particles arranged in different ways. Particle theory All matter is made up of tiny particles that are much too small to see. The particles are arranged differently in solids, liquids and gases.2.1 Solids, liquids and gases Solids In solids the particles are arranged ina fixed pattern, The particles are held together strongly and are tightly packed together. This is why solids have a fixed shape. ‘The particles in a solid can vibrate (make small movements) but they stay in the same place. Liquids In liquids the particles touch each other. The particles are held together weakly. The particles can move past one another but they still touch each other. Liquids can change shape. Gases In gases the particles do not touch each other, They are a long way apart. The particles spread ‘out by themselves. The particles can spread out to fill up the space they are in, Gases can change shape. In solids the particles are packed together and can vibrate, They stay in the same place. In liquids the particles touch each other, can move and can change places. ~ 5. h ©. e %e Jn.gases the particles are far apart and can maya about freelyUa aoc Modelling the particles in solids, liquids and gases In this task, you will describe the strengths and weaknesses of a mode! Work in a small group * Arrange yourselves in a pattern, as if you are the particles in a solid * Now arrange yourselves as if you are the particles in a liquid. * Now arrange yourselves as if you are the particles in a gas Questions 1 With a partner, discuss and describe the ways in which the particles are arranged in the three states of matter. 2. Copy and complete these sentences to describe how particles are arranged in solids, liquids and gases. * In solids, the particles are arranged * In liquids, the particles are arranged * In gases, the particles are arranged Self-assessment In what ways was your group a good model for the particle theory? Think about how well you did for each of the solid, liquid and gas models. © Were you in regular rows? + Were you touching the people around you? * Could you change your position?2.1. Solids, liquids and gases Explaining the properties Matter can only flow (be poured) if the particles can move past one another, Matter can only change volume if the particles in it can spread out or move closer together. Solids ‘The particles in a solid are very close together. ‘This makes it difficult for the volume of a solid to be made smaller. Solids have a fixed shape because attractive forces hold the particles together. These forces stop the particles from moving around. The particles can only vibrate. This means that a Ridlomrocilisn solid cannot flow. Liquids The volume of a liquid cannot be changed. The particles are very close together and cannot be squashed. The particles toueh each other but they can move past each other. The attractive forces between the particles are weak enough to allow them to move but strong enough to hold them together. Gases Particles in a gas are a long way apart so they can move quickly in all directions. The particles can move easily because there are no attractive forces between them. This means that gas has no fixed shape or volume, ‘When you squash a gas, the particles move closer together and the gas takes up less space. No particles? A space where there are no particles at all is called gases.can flow and spread out a vacuum, A vacuum contains nothing. —— eee >