The Particle Theory of Matter - Mar 18-19, 2025
The Particle Theory: is a way of describing how matter behaves at an atomic level.
5 points to the Particle Theory: There are 5 points to the particle theory.
1. All matter is made up of tiny particles.
2. Each type of substance/matter is made of its own type of particle.
3. All particles have tiny spaces in between them. The spaces between gas particles
are very large and as they get closer together, it becomes liquid. Solids have the
smallest spaces between their particles.
4. Particles attract to each other → the stronger the attraction, the closer they get.
a. Solids → strong attraction
b. Liquids → in between
c. Gasses → weak attraction
5. Particles are always moving. Speed of movement increases with temperature.
a. Solids → vibrate in place
b. Liquids → slide around
c. Gasses → moving around very quickly
Explaining: Using particle theory to explain
observations.
S - what is happening to the spaces?
A - how is the attraction changing?
M - how is the movement changing?
E - is the energy increasing or decreasing?
Use The particle theory to explain what
happens to as the
S - spaces between particles decrease
A - attraction between particles decreases
M - particles move more
E - energy increases with increased
temperature
Use particle the Theory to explain what is happening to the particles of ice cream when it is
put in the freezer. - The ice cream will freeze, changing its state from liquid to solid.
S - space
A - attraction
M-
E - energy of the particles decrease
The Particle Theory: is a way of describing how matter behaves at an atomic level.
5 points to the Particle Theory: There are 5 points to the particle theory.
1. All matter is made up of tiny particles.
2. Each type of substance/matter is made of its own type of particle.
3. All particles have tiny spaces in between them. The spaces between gas particles
are very large and as they get closer together, it becomes liquid. Solids have the
smallest spaces between their particles.
4. Particles attract to each other → the stronger the attraction, the closer they get.
a. Solids → strong attraction
b. Liquids → in between
c. Gasses → weak attraction
5. Particles are always moving. Speed of movement increases with temperature.
a. Solids → vibrate in place
b. Liquids → slide around
c. Gasses → moving around very quickly
Explaining: Using particle theory to explain
observations.
S - what is happening to the spaces?
A - how is the attraction changing?
M - how is the movement changing?
E - is the energy increasing or decreasing?
Use The particle theory to explain what
happens to as the
S - spaces between particles decrease
A - attraction between particles decreases
M - particles move more
E - energy increases with increased
temperature
Use particle the Theory to explain what is happening to the particles of ice cream when it is
put in the freezer. - The ice cream will freeze, changing its state from liquid to solid.
S - space
A - attraction
M-
E - energy of the particles decrease
