Understand matter from a chemistry perspective — its particle nature and how particles behave differently in solids, liquids, and gases.
All matter is made of tiny particles that are constantly moving. In solids, particles are tightly packed and vibrate in place. In liquids, they're less tightly packed and can slide past each other. In gases, they're far apart and move freely.
Why can gases be compressed easily but solids cannot?
Gas particles have large empty spaces between them, so they can be pushed closer together, while solid particles are already tightly packed
Why does a liquid take the shape of its container?
Liquid particles can move and slide past each other, allowing the liquid to flow and fill the shape of its container
Each substance has a specific melting point (where it changes from solid to liquid) and boiling point (where it changes from liquid to gas) at normal atmospheric pressure.
What is the melting point of ice (in Celsius)?
0°C
What is the boiling point of water (in Celsius)?
100°C
1. How are particles arranged in a solid?
2. How are particles arranged in a gas?
3. What is the melting point of ice?
4. What is the boiling point of water?
5. Why do gas particles spread out to fill their container?