Kinetic Molecular Theory of Matter Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key principles, historical atomic models, states of matter, and phase changes described by the Kinetic Molecular Theory of Matter.

Kinetic Molecular Theory of Matter

A theory describing the microscopic properties of molecules or atoms and their interactions, explaining how these microscopic properties translate to physical states and characteristics of matter.

Intermolecular Forces

The attractive forces that exist between molecules.

Billiard Ball Model

An early atomic model proposed by John Dalton in 1803.

Plum Pudding Model

An atomic model proposed by Sir Joseph John Thomson in 1904, illustrating negative electrons.

Nuclear Model

An atomic model proposed by Ernest Rutherford in 1911.

Temperature

A measure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules in a substance.

Solids

A state of matter with strong intermolecular forces, fixed shape, fixed volume, and virtual incompressibility, where particles vibrate back and forth at specific locations.

Liquids

A state of matter with intermediate intermolecular forces, fixed volume, and slight compressibility, whose shape depends on the container and whose particles can move past each other over short distances.

Gases

A state of matter with weak or negligible intermolecular forces, whose particles are very far apart and move over long distances before colliding.

Condensed Phase

A state of matter (solid or liquid) formed at lower temperatures by substances possessing intermediate to strong intermolecular forces.

Melting

The phase change process where a solid converts into a liquid as increased temperature provides kinetic energy to overcome strong intermolecular forces.

Vaporization

The phase change process in which a liquid converts into a gas due to an increase in temperature and average kinetic energy.