Particle Theory and States of Matter

Why can't solids easily be compressed?

According to particle theory, which state of matter has weak forces of attraction between particles?

Why do the particles in a solid vibrate to and fro?

What distinguishes the particle arrangement in a solid from that in a liquid?

Why do liquids have the ability to flow unlike solids?

What property of solids is attributed to the strong forces of attraction between particles?

Particle Theory and States of Matter

Particle theory explains the properties of different states of matter (solids, liquids, gases) based on the arrangement and energy of particles.
The particles in a substance remain the same, but their arrangement and energy change between states of matter.

Particles in a Gas

Particles in a gas are widely spaced and have a lot of energy, allowing them to move freely.
Example: Water can exist as a solid (ice), liquid, or gas (water vapor), with the same particles arranged differently in each state.

Solids

Particles in solids are held very tightly together by strong forces of attraction.
Particles are in fixed positions in a regular arrangement, but vibrate slightly.
This arrangement explains the properties of solids, including:
- Solids keep a definite shape and volume.
- Solids can't flow like liquids.
- Solids can't be easily compressed due to closely packed particles.
- Solids are usually dense, with many particles in a small volume.

Liquids

Particles in liquids are close together, but can move freely.
There are weak forces of attraction between particles in liquids.
Particles in liquids have more energy than in solids, but less than in gases.

Learn how particle theory explains the properties of different states of matter such as solid, liquid, and gas. Explore the arrangement and energy of particles in each state to understand why you can easily squash a whoopee cushion but not the chair underneath it.