THE PARTICULATE NATURE OF

MATTER

All matter is made up of particles.

The particles are too small to be seen by
the naked eye.
The particles are always moving
The particles are arranged differently in
solids, liquids and gases.
Definition of matter: matter is anything
that has mass and occupies space. This
means all matter has mass and volume.

The kinetic theory of matter

The kinetic theory helps to explain the way in which
matter behaves. The evidence is consistent with the
idea that all matter is made up of tiny particles.

The main points of the theory are:

 l All matter is made up of tiny, moving particles,
invisible to the naked eye. Different substances
have different types of particles (atoms, molecules
or ions) which have different sizes.
 l The particles move all the time. The higher the
temperature, the faster they move on average, ie the higher
the kinetic energy the particles possess.
 l Heavier particles move more slowly than lighter
ones at a given temperature.

The kinetic theory can be used as a scientific model

to explain how the arrangement of particles relates to
the properties of the three states of matter.

The three states of matter

Matter exists in three different states: solid, liquid and gas.

Ref page 85 focus on combined Science.

The following diagrams show the arrangement of particles in

solids, liquids and gases.

Identify the states P, Q and R.

The table below summarises the properties of matter in each of the three states.

Properties State of matter

Solid Liquid Gas
Arrangement of Particles are arranged The particles arranged The particles are
particles in a regular pattern. in a random manner. arranged in a random
manner.
Separation of particles Particles are tightly The particles are still The particles are far
packed. There are no touching, but they are apart, with very large
spaces between the not as closely packed spaces between them.
particles. as in the solid state. The particles do not
touch at all.

Forces of attraction Very strong forces Strong forces , but Very weak forces of
between the particles weaker than in solids attraction.
and stronger than in
gases.
Movement Vibrate on spot, they The particles flow in The particles move
vibrate in their fixed and out of each other; randomly( in all
positions. the particles slide past directions) at high
each other. speed
Shape Fixed shape Take the shape of the Have no fixed shape
container, have no
fixed shape.
Volume Fixed volume Fixed volume Have no fixed volume;
Take the volume of
the container/ they fill
all the available space.
compressibility Cannot be compressed Can be slightly Can be easily
compressed compressed.

Question: Explain why solids cannot be compressed while gases can be easily compressed.

 Evidence of particulate nature of matter – diffusion, dilution, Brownian movement, effect of

temperature
 Expansion and Contraction
- Thermal expansion and contraction
- Applications in solids and liquids

 Compressibility – of gases, atmospheric pressure

 Solubility – heat, particle size, stirring

Question: a. Describe the changes of state.

b. of these changes of state, which ones need to absorb energy and which ones release
energy to the surroundings when they happen? Classify them into endothermic and exothermic
processes.