Particle Theory and States of Matter (Integrated Sciences Term 3)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms from the lecture notes on the Particle Theory, states of matter, diffusion, Brownian motion, and gas pressure.

Particle Theory

A model stating that all matter is made of tiny particles in constant motion, whose behaviour depends on the state of matter and the energy they possess.

State of Matter

The physical form of matter (solid, liquid, or gas) described by particle arrangement and movement.

Solids

A state where particles vibrate in fixed positions, arranged in uniform rows, touching each other, and held by strong forces of attraction.

Liquids

A state where particles touch and can move past each other, not in uniform rows, with weaker attraction than in solids.

Gases

A state where particles are spread out, move freely, do not touch, and have little attraction between them.

Forces of Attraction

The pulling forces between particles; strongest in solids, weaker in liquids, weakest in gases.

Diffusion

The spreading of particles from high concentration to low concentration due to random movement, faster in gases than in liquids.

Brownian Motion

The random movement of larger particles caused by continual collisions with smaller, rapidly moving particles (e.g., pollen grains in water).

Gas Pressure

The pressure exerted by gas particles as they collide with the container walls, summed over all particles.

Melting

Solid to liquid; particles gain energy and break free from fixed positions.

Freezing

Liquid to solid; particles lose energy and become fixed in place.

Evaporation

Liquid to gas; particles gain enough energy to spread out as a gas.

Condensation

Gas to liquid; particles lose energy and come closer together.

Energy

The capacity of particles to move or vibrate; more energy means more movement.

Random Movement

Unpredictable particle motion caused by continual collisions in fluids and gases.

Pollen Grains

Larger particles used in Brownian motion observations; their jittering is caused by collisions with surrounding molecules.

Uniform Rows

An arrangement in solids where particles are lined up in fixed, orderly patterns.

Vibration

The small-scale oscillation of particles in a solid while they stay in place.