Particle Model of Matter and Thermal Properties

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing core definitions of the particle model of matter, density, temperature, insulation, phase changes, and thermal expansion.

Particle model of matter

A scientific idea that everything is made of tiny invisible moving blocks.

Particles

The tiny, microscopic building blocks that make up all matter.

Attractive forces

The invisible "glue" or pull that holds particles close to each other.

Mass

The total amount of "stuff" or matter inside an object.

Volume

The amount of space an object or substance takes up.

Density

How tightly packed the particles are inside a certain amount of space.

Heating

Adding thermal energy, which makes particles move faster and spread apart.

Cooling

Removing thermal energy, which makes particles slow down and move closer.

Degrees Celsius

The metric unit used to measure how hot or cold something is (pure water freezes at $0^\times\text{C}$ and boils at $100^\times\text{C}$).

Liquid thermometer

A tool that measures temperature using a rising or falling fluid.

Insulation

Materials that slow down the movement of heat from warming or cooling things.

Expansion

Getting larger because faster parts bump into each other and spread out.

Contraction

Getting smaller because slower particles pack closer together.

Phase change

A substance switching from one physical state to another.

Melting

The process where a solid turns into a liquid by adding heat.

Freezing

The process where a liquid turns into a solid by removing heat.

Boiling point

The exact temperature where a liquid rapidly bubbles and turns into a gas.

Water unusual properties

Natural exceptions where water acts differently than almost all other matter.

Structures

Built objects that must withstand the forces of expanding and contracting matter.