I can:
● Describe and apply the Particle Model of Matter
● Classify substances based on their composition
● Distinguish between pure substances,solutions and mechanical mixtures
What is Matter?
All matter is composed of tiny particles called atoms. Atoms can have different
properties, and can combine together in different ways to form molecules. This is why
we have so many different types of matter. Each type of matter behaves in different
ways based on their chemical composition.
The Particle Model of Matter
In order to predict and understand chemical behaviour, we must first understand
the properties of matter. The Particle Model of Matter can be summarized by five
main points:
● All matter is made up of extremely tiny particles
● There are spaces between these particles
● Particles are attracted to one another
● Particles are always moving
● Particles move faster & farther apart when they gain energy
States of Matter - The particle model explains why matter exists in different states.
Solids - In solids, particles are very close together (strong attractive forces). Particles do not
move around very much because they don’t have a lot of energy. Solids thus maintain their
shape in a given container.
Liquids - In liquids, particles are able to move past one another because they have some
energy. Liquids thus take the shape of the container they are in
Gases - In gases, particles are very far apart (weak attractive forces). Particles move freely
because they have a lot of energy. Gases thus expand until they fill the container they are in.
If states of matter are dependent on how much energy particles have, can one
substance gain or lose energy to become a different state of matter???
States of Matter and Energy Change