Particles

• What is the particle model?

  A model that represents particles as small, solid spheres with spaces between them.
• How does the motion of particles change when it heats up?

  The particles gain energy and start to move more freely
• How does the motion of particles change when an object cools down?

  The particles loose energy and move closer together
• How can we describe expansion in terms of particles?

   If a solid is heated, the particles vibrate more violently and therefore the solid expands outwards
• How can we describe contraction in terms of particles?

  When it has cooled down, the particles loose energy and will become closer together
• How can we describe diffusion in terms of particles?

  Diffusion is the process by which particles spread out from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
• How can we describe pressure in terms of particles?

  the force per unit area exerted by the particles on the walls of their container.
• What are the properties of solids?

  particles are in fixed positions, cannot be compressed, solids have fixed volumes
• What are the properties of liquids?

  The particles can move past one another but cannot escape, they have a fixed volume but cannot be poured
• What are the properties of a gas?


  The particles are very far apart and do not touch one another. They move very fast and can be compressed. They fill any space