Unit 1: Intermolecular Forces of Attraction and Solids and Liquids

1.1. Kinetic Molecular Theory of Matter

Warm Up

Observation Table
Table 1.1.1. Observing how the balls (A) and pieces of magnets (B) move in a cup and a box

Container Observation for Observation for

A B

cup Have their distinct overall Took up the shape of the

shape container

box Have their distinct overall Took up the shape of the

shape container

shaking the box The pieces were not able to The pieces move from one
move freely. location to another.

Guide Questions
1. It took up the shape of the cup.
2. The magnets were clumped together and had a definite overall shape.
3. It took up space inside the box.
4. Since they are clumped up, they had a definite shape.
5. The ping pong balls are not clumping together, so they are able to move around
more freely when the box is shaken. However, the magnets were clumped together
and moved as a whole. The individual pieces lie in the same location.

Knowledge Check Question

1. How does the kinetic molecular theory describe phases and phase changes? The
kinetic molecular theory describes how particles in solids, liquids, and gases interact
with one another. Interactions such as vibrations, motions, and forces of attractions
(and repulsions) result in the unique properties of the states of matter. Changes in
these interactions when heat is applied or removed which results in phase changes
can also be explained by the kinetic molecular theory.

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 Unit 1: Intermolecular Forces of Attraction and Solids and Liquids

Check Your Understanding

A. Identify the terms described in each of the following items.

kinetic molecular theory 1. This theory explains how microscopic parameters relate to
macroscopic properties of matter.

solid 2. The state of matter which is rigid. It has a definite shape

and volume, and is not compressible.

intermolecular forces 3. This term refers to the interactions between particles.

temperature 4. This is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles.

particles 5. Matter is composed of small ________________.

B. Write T if the statement is true. Otherwise, write F.

T 1. Matter is composed of small particles.

F 2. The particles comprising matter is stationary.

T 3. The speed at which the particles is moving depends on the temperature.

F 4. Solids have particles farthest from one another.

F 5. Gases have strong intermolecular forces.

F 6. Liquids have the largest distances between particles.

F 7. At low temperature, the kinetic energy of the particles determines the physical
state.

F 8. At high temperatures, the particles are most likely to form the closest possible

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 Unit 1: Intermolecular Forces of Attraction and Solids and Liquids
arrangement.

T 9. Both kinetic energy and intermolecular forces affect the physical state of
matter.

T 10. At higher temperatures, molecules tend to move faster.

C. Identify the state of matter being described below.

solid 1. The particles vibrate at a specific location only.

liquid 2. The particles move about in relatively short distances.

gas 3. The particles move in longer distances.

solid 4. The particles are held together by strong intermolecular forces.

gas 5. The particles have negligible intermolecular forces.

Challenge Yourself
A. Describe the phase changes using the kinetic molecular theory.
Evaluate whether the changes require an increase or decrease in
temperature.

At low temperatures, the kinetic energy of the molecules is low that it will be
unable to move from one point to another. The physical state will depend on the
intermolecular forces of attraction. If it has a strong intermolecular force then it will
be solid. As the temperature is increased, the kinetic energy of the molecules
increases. This results in added motion to the particles. In this process, the solid
becomes a liquid. At very high temperatures, the molecules overcome the
intermolecular forces and the particles are able to move more freely. In this
process, the liquid becomes a gas.

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 Unit 1: Intermolecular Forces of Attraction and Solids and Liquids

B. Examine the following scenarios. Select the physical state that is

most likely to be present.

1. Substance P is at 0 °C. Its particles are found to be in close proximity to one

another. The particles are only capable of vibrating in their specific locations.
solid
2. Substance Q is at 30 °C. The particles are moving in short distances before
colliding with another particle. The intermolecular force between these particles
is of intermediate strength. liquid
3. Substance R is at 25 °C. The particles have negligible interactions and are moving
in longer distances before colliding with another particle. gas

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