Kinetic molecular theory is useful in describing the properties of solids, liquids and gases at the molecular level. Kinetic theory of matter assumes that matter is made up of tiny particles such as atoms, molecules and ions that are continually moving and therefore possess kinetic energy. The more heat you give these particles, the faster their movement will be. Hence, increase in temperature causes increase in the average kinetic energy of the particles. Matter exists in three states which are Solid, Liquid, Gas.
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Solids
The particles of a solid will possess only a small amount of kinetic energy. The particles of a solid are always in motion, however, the motion will be so minuscule that we can say that they are simply vibrating in position. Thus, the particles of a solid will have a very ordered structure.
Solids have a definite shape, a definite volume and are not easily compressed. The particles of a solid are vibrating in a very ordered arrangement
Liquids
The particles of a liquid possess a greater amount of kinetic energy than the particles of a solid. Thus, the particles of liquid will not be in an ordered arrangement and will take on the shape of the container that they are placed in. These particles will possess enough energy to flow throughout a container and past one another. They do not have enough energy to escape the attraction they have for each other and as a result will remain loosely connected. Liquids have an indefinite shape, a definite volume and are not easily compressed.
The particles of a liquid are flowing in a loosely connected arrangement
Gases
The particles of a gas possess a very large amount of kinetic energy and move very rapidly and randomly. The particles of a gas are moving so fast that they have no attraction for one another. As a result of this kinetic energy, the particles of a gas will have large empty spaces between them. Just as with liquids, gases will take on the shape of the container that they are placed in. Gases have an indefinite shape, an indefinite volume and are easily compressed (due to the large empty spaces between particles)
The particles of a gas are moving very rapidly and randomly
EVALUATION
- What is the name of the substance that can exist in the three states of matter.?
1.The smallest indivisible particle of an element is ——-.
- Atom b. Molecule c. Element d. Electron
2.The three fundamental particles of an atom are ——
- Proton, neutron, electron b. Proton, nucleus, orbit c. Nucleus, proton, ion d. ion, nucleus, election
SECTION B
1.Describe the cyclic nature of water.
2.Using the kinetic theory of matter, describe these states of matter.
Solids, Liquids and Gases.
See also
Energy Transfer (When work is done)