SNC1D/1P-Mr. Scott
Reference: Nelson Text page 175
The Particle Theory
The particle theory states that all matter is composed of tiny particles. Different kinds of matter
contain different kinds of particles. The type of particle that makes up gold is different than the
particle that makes up water.
There are 5 main ideas that make up the particle theory: (use/read page 175 of your textbook)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Draw an example of how particles are arranged to make a: (see page 175)
SOLID
LIQUID
GAS
All particles are attracted to each other and are always moving. Particles form a SOLID when
the forces of attraction are______________________________________________________.
When heated, particles gain energy and begin moving faster. This heat causes them to slide
past each other or flow. This state is known as _____________.
If particles gain even more energy they can begin to separate and fly away from each other. The
particles eventually get far enough away from each other that they become a GAS.
USE THESE NOTES FOR THE QUESTIONS ON THE BACK:
*High temperature causes particles to expand, low temperature causes them to contract.
*if compressed gases get to hot they may explode under pressure
* if solids get to cold they may contract and crack or shatter.
*if solids get to hot they may expand and crack or shatter.
SNC1D/1P-Mr. Scott
Reference: Nelson Text page 175
PARTICLE THEORY: QUESTIONS
Use the particle theory to explain the following observations:
1) Sidewalks are designed with cracks between the slabs.
2) If Mr. Scott is wearing strong cologne, the people in the front row smell it first, and only later
do the people in the back row smell it.
3) Air needs to be added to a car’s tires in the winter to keep them at the proper pressure.
4) A balloon that is put in the fridge contracts (gets smaller).
5) A glass full of water is easily split into two cup by pouring. You then try to split an ice cube in
two to add to the drinks and it is much more complicated. Why?
6) While driving you pass an unfortunate skunk that has been killed crossing the road. You smell
the skunk for a long time past where it was hit.
7) Neve bakes bread in the kitchen, and the delicious smell spreads through the house.
8) An aerosol can (think spray paint) explodes when heated in a fire.
SNC1D/1P-Mr. Scott
Reference: Nelson Text page 175