Particulate Nature of Matter Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, definitions, and concepts from Grade 8 Science Chapter 7 on the Particulate Nature of Matter.

Constituent Particle

The basic unit that makes up a larger piece of a substance or material.

Interparticle Spaces

The available spaces located between the constituent particles of matter.

Interparticle Attractions

The attractive forces that hold the constituent particles of matter together.

Acharya Kanad

An ancient Indian philosopher who first proposed the concept of tiny, indivisible eternal particles called Parmanu.

Parmanu

The term used by Acharya Kanad to describe the tiny, indivisible eternal particles that make up matter.

Vaisheshika Sutras

The ancient work authored by Acharya Kanad in which the concept of the Parmanu was written.

Melting Point

The minimum temperature at which a solid melts to become a liquid at atmospheric pressure.

Boiling Point

The temperature at which a liquid boils and rapidly turns into vapour at atmospheric pressure.

Evaporation

The slow process of vapour formation that occurs at the surface of a liquid at temperatures below its boiling point.

Fluids

Substances that flow and do not retain a fixed shape, specifically encompassing liquids and gases.

Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM)

Tiny dust particles suspended in air, which are much larger than the submicroscopic constituent particles of matter.

Thermal Energy

The heat energy of particles that determines the physical state of matter by affecting particle motion and interparticle distances.

Atom

The fundamental particle that makes up elements, such as iron or gold.

Molecule

A stable particle formed when a specific number of atoms combine together.