Particulate Theory of Matter

Cards (7)

  • The Particulate Theory of Matter states:
    • All matter consists of many tiny and dispersed particles (atoms, molecules and ions)
    • These particles are constantly moving randomly
    • There are forces of attraction/repulsion between these particles
    • There are spaces between these particles
  • Evidence of the Particulate Theory of Matter:
    • Diffusion
    • Osmosis
    • Brownian Motion
    • Shape of Crystals
    • Dissolving of Crystals
  • Diffusion is the net movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. This occurs because particles are in constant motion.
  • When the potassium manganate (VI) crystals are placed in the water, the particles slowly separate from each other and diffuse into the spaces between the water particles.
  • The ammonia gives off ammonia gas and the hydrochloric acid gives off hydrogen chloride gas. When these gas particles diffuse through the air meeting each other, they form a white ring called ammonium chloride. This proves that particles can move and have spaces.
  • Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from a region of high water concentration to a region of low water concentration through a partially permeable membrane.
  • Brownian Motion is the rapid, random movement of particles in a medium due to being bombarded with other particles. eg. dust in flashlight, pollen’s movement in water