Chapter 1 - States Of Matter And Mixtures

Question 1

Give some points about the particles in a solid

Answer 1

Strong forces of attraction between particles hold them in fixed positions in a regular lattice arrangement
The particles don’t move from their positions so all solids keep a definitive shape and volume
They don’t have much energy
They hardly move, only vibrate. The hotter the solid becomes, the more they vibrate (that’s why solids expand slightly when heated)

Question 2

Give some points about the particles in a liquid

Answer 2

Some force of attraction between the particles. They’re free to move past each other but tend to stick together
Liquids don’t keep a definitive shape and flow to fill the bottom of the container.
They keep the same volume
They have more energy than in a solid state
They are constantly moving in a random motion. The hotter a liquid becomes, the faster they move (that’s why liquids expand slightly when heated)

Question 3

Give some points about the particles in a gas

Answer 3

Next to no force of attraction between the particles. They are free to move.They travel in straight lines and only interact when they collide
Gases don’t keep a definitive shape or volume and will always fill any container. The particles exert pressure on the walls whenever they bounce off them
They will have more energy than in solid or liquid state.
They move constantly and in a random motion. The hotter the gas gets, the faster they move. Gases either expand when heated or their pressure increases

Question 4

Describe the melting process

Answer 4

When a solid is heated, the particles gain more energy. This makes them vibrate more, weakening the bonds that hold the solid together and therefore expanding the solid. Once a certain temperature is reached the particles have enough energy to break free from their positions and the solid turns to a liquid.