Scientist: _____________________ Per: _____
Date: ___________
The Particle Model
UNIT 1: MATTER
#5
FOCUS TASK: There are five main points to the Particle Theory of Matter. The Particle Theory helps
provide us with an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter.
Learning Goals: Students will be able to describe matter in terms of particle motion. The description
should include
 Diagrams to support the description.
 Differences between states of matter (solid, liquid, gas)
 Differences between different kinds of substances (argon, neon, oxygen, water)
 The relationship between particle motion and temperature
 The relationship between particle attraction and temperature
Activity #1: Refresh your understanding of particle organization in solids, liquids, and gases.
http://preparatorychemistry.com/KMT_flash.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/z2wmxnb/revision
States of matter
Solids:
 slow moving particles
 neatly arranged and tightly
packed
Liquids:
 faster moving particles
 flow about each other
Gases:
 very fast moving particles
 spread out to fill a space
Particle Theory and States of Matter
Matter exists in three main states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. The only differences between these states
is how the particles are organized and in the particle motion. Below, describe the organization and motion
of particle by circling your answers: “Low”: (), “Medium”: (), or “High”: ()
Particle:
Motion
How Fast?
Attraction
How Strong?
Temperature
How Hot?
Density
How tightly
packed?
Solid
//
Liquid
//
Gas
//
//
//
//
//
//
//
//
//
//
Changes of state
Particles in a substance can move from one state to another under the right conditions e.g. if it is warm
enough, ice melts to become liquid water.
Complete the table (use the internet if it will be helpful) – the first one is done for you as an example:
Name of
Starting
Ending
Description of process
Process
State
State
The solid is heated and the bonds between the particles weaken
Melting
Solid
Liquid
Freezing
Solid
Sublimation
Evaporation
Condensation
The Particle Theory of Matter
We will use the PHET simulation from the University of Colorado to investigate the Particle Theory of
Matter in further. Use your observations of the simulation to
1) Summarize the main points of Particle Theory
2) Provide greater explanation and detail of Particle Theory in your notebook
The five main points of Particle Theory are:
1. All substances are made up of tiny particles (atoms and molecules)
2. All particles of a substance are essentially ___________________ to each other… and particles of
different substances are _________________________ from each other
3. Between particles, there are large _______________ __________________ which are much larger than
the particles themselves.
4. Particles are in constant ______________________ and as temperature increases particles
____________ _________________.
5. Particles are ____________________ to other surrounding particles by strong electric forces
PHET Simulation: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/states-of-matter-basics
Open States of Matter: Basic. We will use the simulation explain the Particle Theory in four
paragraphs. With your illustrations, each paragraph should take up an entire page in your
notebook.
 Paragraph #1: Compare and contrast the four substances available (neon, argon,
oxygen, water). Once again, use drawings to support your paragraph.
o Which substances are composed of (singular) atoms?
o Which substances are composed of molecules?
o How do the particles of one substance compare to the other particles within the
same substance?
o How do the particles of one substance compare to the particles of other
substances?
 Paragraph #2: Explain the differences and similarities between solid, liquid and gas
particle motion and organization. How does motion change? How does density
change? How does the attraction between particles change? Include drawings to help
with your explanations.
 Paragraph #3: Relate the motion of the particles to the temperature. Use illustrations
to support your explanations.
 Paragraph #4: Relate the “stickiness” of the particles to temperature and state of
matter. Compare the particle “stickiness” across different substances; are all particles
equally “sticky”? Use illustrations to support your explanations.