__Kinetic Theory of

Matter__
Thuong Vu
Physical Science
January 31, 2008

The Kinetic Theory of Matter is a reasonable

explanation...

...that states that matter is composed of small

particles in random motion.
When the temperature of matter increases, its
movements also increase.
MATTER
Firstly, what is matter? Matter is what all physical objects are made of. All matter takes
up space. There are four states of matter that people are most familiar with: solids,
liquids, gases, and plasma.

SOLIDS

Solids are atoms and molecules (particles) that are so closely

packed together that they form a specific shape and volume. They
are so close together and stay together so strongly that they are
able to maintain their shape. They also move! There are little
vibrations that we do not realize because they are so compacted
and small. Examples of solids can be a bar of gold, your pencil,
your desk, and things of the sort.

LIQUIDS

Liquids are particles that are a little less closer than what solids
are and have enough energy to move around a little. Because they
are close enough, their forces allow them to form the shape of
what holds them while they can also move around—or
specifically, flow about. Just think of a glass of water. Water
poured into a glass form the shape of that glass. It will flow if you
give energy to it. That energy can be your shaking of the glass.
Examples of liquids can be the ocean, juice, blood, and things of
the sort.
GASES

Gases have no definite volume or shape and are particles with a

larger separation between each other. They do not have any
forces. The average distance between these particles are usually
10 times greater than in solids and liquids. That lets particles
move freely within its space. When it is enclosed, pressure is
forced onto its surroundings—just like how a balloon expands. It's
all because of pressure. Examples of gases include oxygen, water
vapor, clouds, helium, and things of the sort.

PLASMA

Plasma are like gases but differ because they are ionized which
lets them carry electrical currents and generate magnetic fields.
They are the most common form of matter. The universe, as far
as our knowledge have shown, is made up of more than 99% of
plasma! Examples are the sun, stars, lightning, and things of the
sort.
THE ROLE THAT ENERGY PLAYS
IN THE CHANGE OF STATES OF MATTER
Energy and temperature (heat) go together because they're basically the same thing.
Energy is a very strong factor. With energy you can can break things apart. With energy
you can even change the state of matter. How is it possible?

CHANGING STATES AND COMPOSITION OF MATTER

SOLIDS

Through sublimation solids can change to gases. Take dry ice for example. When its
force that keeps them close together is strong, it stays a solid. But when too much there
is too much energy and there particles start moving, they lose their grasp. Particles start
to loosen up and they soon become a gas.

LIQUIDS

Through evaporation liquids become a gas. Take lake waters for example. With the
bright sun, some of that water will turn into water vapor—they evaporate. And what do
you know? Water vapor is a gas!

GASES

Through condensation gases turn back into a liquid! An example can be a glass of cold
water on a hot day. The water vapor from the warm air touches the cold glass and
becomes, once again, a liquid.

PLASMA

Gases can become a plasma when they release electrons—which then produces more
energy. That is called ionization. When they recombine, it's called recombination.
KINETIC THEORY OF MATTER

Energy, also temperature, is the main factor of this theory. Because of energy, matter can
move and can change its state. Sublimation, evaporation, condensation, ionization,
recombination, and many other processes can change matter because of their energy.