States of matter Flashcards
describe the structure and movement of solids
- particles are fixed in a regular arrangement forming a regular lattice structure
- particles are very close together (tightly packed)
- strong forces of attraction between particles
- particles vibrate in their fixed positions
- overall substance keeps a definite shape and volume (can’t flow like a liquid)
describe the structure and movement of liquids
- particles are arranged randomly
- particles are close together (fairly compact)
- particles are free to move around in random motion (in all directions) past eachother
- medium (weak) forces of attraction between particles
- overall shape can change (can flow to fit a container)
- liquids have a definite volume
- particles vibrate around each other
describe the structure and movement of gases
- particles are arranged randomly
- particles are far apart from eachother
- particles are free to move around in random motion (in all directions) at high speeds
- very weak/no forces of attraction between particles
- gases don’t keep a definite shape or volume
- gases will always fill a container (spread out as much as possible)
- gas particles move in straight lines
- gas particles can be deflected by solid walls or other gas particles randomly
why do solids expand when they are heated?
the particles gain more (kinetic) energy and so vibrate more
what are the limitations of the 3D model?
- they are hard to draw
- they don’t show electrons
- it can be confusing when there are lots of atoms
what is the particle model (or kinetic model)? Include its assumptions
a simple model in which solids, gases and liquids can be represented by lots of particles and it helps us explain how the particles behave in each stage. It assumes that all substances are made from small, solid and inelastic spheres
what is condensation?
the process by which a gas turns into a liquid
what is melting?
the process by which a solid turns into a liquid
in terms of particles and forces, explain why heating causes a solid to turn into a liquid?
- in solids,strong forces of attraction hold the particles in place so that they can only vibrate in their positions
- as the substance is heated, the particles gain kinetic energy (absorb thermal energy that is then converted into kinetic energy)
- they vibrate more often and faster and faster
- this weakens the forces of attraction between the particles
- at a certain temperature (melting point), the particles have enough energy to break free of their bonds and the forces holding them together (solid expands until structure breaks)
- the substance melts into a liquid
which has the highest density - solids, liquids, or gases?
solids as the particles are closest together in solids
which theory attempts to explain the three states of matter?
particle (kinetic) theory
in terms of particles and forces, explain why heating causes a liquid to turn into a gas?
- as the substance is heated, the particles gain kinetic energy
- the particles move around faster
- this weakens the forces of attraction holding the particles together (liquid expands and some particles on the surface gain sufficient energy to overcome the forces of attracton)
- once we reach the boiling point, particles will have enough energy to break free of their bonds all together and the forces holding them together (all of the particles have enough energy to evaporate)
- the substance boils or evaporates into a gas
what happens when we heat a gas up?
- when a gas is heated, the particles gain more kinetic energy and move faster
- the gas will either expand if the container it is in is expandable e.g. a balloon so the volume will increase
- if the gas is trapped within a container that cannot expand (fixed volume), the pressure inside the container will increase
what happens when we cool a gas down (lower the temperature)?
- in gases, the particles have enough energy to overcome the forces of attraction between them, and so spread out randomly
- If the temperature is lowered, they will no longer be able to overcome these forces of attraction
- bonds will start to form between the particles and they will move closer together
- the gas will condense into a liquid
what is the melting point?
the temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid