Particle theory

Question 1

Describe solids

Answer 1

• Particles are held very tightly together in fixed position but they vibrate to and from
• Particles in a solid has the least energy
• Strong forces of attraction between particles.
• Particles don’t move from their position so solids keep a definite shape and volume
• Solids are not easily compressed because particles are packed very closely together
• Solids are usually dense, as there are lots of particles in a small volume

Question 2

Describe liquids

Answer 2

• Particles are close together and they do stick together but they can move. free to move past each other, moving in all directions
• Some forces of attraction between the particles
• Liquids don’t keep a definite shape and can form puddles. They flow and fill the bottom of the container but keep the same volume
• liquids won’t compress easily because the particles are packed closely together
• Liquids are dense as there’s quite a lot of particles in a small volume

Question 3

Describe Gases

Answer 3

• Particles in a gas have the most energy
• There are very weak forces of attraction between particles
• Particles are far apart and free to move in all directions
• Particles move fast, so they collide with each other and the container
• Gases don’t have a definite shape or volume and will expand to fill the container. Gases can be compressed easily. Because there’s lots of free space between particles
• Gases have very low densities, because there are not many particles in a large volume