Kinetic Particle Theory Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the concepts, particle arrangements, and state transitions of Kinetic Particle Theory.

Kinetic Particle Theory

A theory stating that all matter is made up of tiny particles and these particles are in constant random motion.

Solid State (Particle Arrangement)

Particles are very closely packed in an orderly manner.

Solid State (Particle Movement)

Particles vibrate and rotate about fixed positions.

Solid State (Attractive Forces)

The attractive forces between particles are very strong.

Liquid State (Particle Arrangement)

Particles are closely packed in a disorderly manner.

Liquid State (Particle Movement)

Particles slide past one another freely throughout the liquid.

Liquid State (Attractive Forces)

The attractive forces between particles are less strong than in a solid.

Gaseous State (Particle Arrangement)

Particles are very far apart in a disorderly manner.

Gaseous State (Particle Movement)

Particles move quickly and randomly in any direction.

Gaseous State (Attractive Forces)

The attractive forces between particles are very weak.

Heating (Energy Change)

Thermal energy is converted to kinetic energy of the particles, leading to a rise in temperature.

Cooling (Energy Change)

Kinetic energy of the particles is converted to thermal energy and transferred to the surroundings, leading to a drop in temperature.

Transition Temperatures

Specific temperatures at which a substance changes its physical state, such as melting, freezing, and boiling points.

Melting

The process of a substance changing from a solid state to a liquid state.

Freezing

The process of a substance changing from a liquid state to a solid state.

Boiling

A process occurring only at the boiling point where particles throughout the liquid change to a gas, forming bubbles.

Evaporation

A process occurring at any temperature where particles at the surface of a liquid overcome forces of attraction to escape as a vapour.

Condensation

The process of a substance changing from a gaseous state to a liquid state.

Sublimation

The process where a substance changes directly from a solid to a gas without becoming a liquid.

Vapour Deposition

The process where a substance changes directly from a gas to a solid.

Dry Ice

Solid carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) which is commonly used to keep foods cool because it sublimes without leaving a liquid mess.

Yakhchāl

An ancient refrigerator invented by the Persians more than $2000$ years ago that uses the evaporation of water to cool an underground pit.