Particulate Model of Matter

In this chapter, i have learnt how the different physical properties of solid, liquid and gas can be explained by using the Particulate Model of Matter.

Particulate Model of Solids
The particles in the solid state are:

-Strongly attracted to each other

-Packed extremely closely to one another
-Arranged in a fixed and regular pattern
-Vibrating only in their fixed position


This tells that the particles in a solid are unable to move around freely, hence it has a definite shape and volume. It also explains that there is no space between the particles, hence the particles cannot be compressed any tighter.


Particulate Model of Liquids
The particles in the liquid state are:
-Attracted to one another
-Packed closely together
-Not arranged in fixed, regular pattern
-able to move over short distances


This explains why liquid has no definite shape, because its particles are not arranged in a fixed position. However, it is still unable to be compressed and has a fixed volume because the particles are still held closely together.


Particulate Model of Gases
The particles in the Gaseous state are:
-Weakly attracted to one another
-Far apart from one another
-Able to move freely in any direction


This explains why a gas can be compressed easily and has no definite shape or volume as the particles in a gas are spread far away from one another.







Change of States of Matter

Melting
When a solid is heated, the particles will gain more energy and start vibrating more vigorously in their fixed position. When the particles starts to possess enough energy, they will break free from one another and move about more freely. Now, the particles are no longer held in fixed positions, but they are still close to one another as it has now turned into the Liquid state. This process is called melting.
The same concept applies to Boiling.

Condensation

When a gas loses heat, it also loses energy and starts to vibrate slower and less vigorously. The particles then continue to lose more energy until they are close enough to be attracted to one another. Now, the particles will get attracted to one another and vibrate closer to one another. Then, it would turn into a liquid. This process is called Condensation.

The same concept applies to Freezing

Heating and Cooling curve