Day 1Kinetic Theory of Matter

SC Standards CoveredStandard PS-3.6

Compare the properties of the four states of matter—solid, liquid, gas, and plasma—in terms of the arrangement and movement of particles.

Kinetic Theory of Matter

Explains how particles in matter behave:All matter is composed of small

particles.Particles are in constant, random

motion.Particles collide with each other and

the walls of their container.

Understanding Temperature:• Thermal Energy

The total kinetic energy of the particles in a substance

Causes the particles to be in motion

• Average Kinetic EnergyTemperature of the substance, or

how fast the particles are moving; the lower the temperature, the slower the particle motion

Absolute Zero

The 3 States of Matter

Kinetic Theory of a Solid

• Solid State– Particles are closely packed together in a

specific type of geometric pattern (crystal).– Particles vibrate in place.– Cannot be squeezed, volume does not

change.

Kinetic Theory of a Liquid

• Liquid State– Particles with enough

energy to push other particles out of the way and move over and around each other.

– Cannot be squeezed, volume does not change.

– Particles flow; take the shape of their container.

Kinetic Theory of a Gas

• Gaseous State– Particles with enough

energy to escape from one another and spread out in all directions.

– Particles CAN be squeezed together; volume changes with changes in pressure.

– Particles flow, take the shape and volume of their container.

– Diffusion

Kinetic Theory of a Plasma

• Plasma State– The most common state of matter in the

universe; found in the stars, lightning bolts, auroras, neon and fluorescent lights.

– Particles break apart to form a positively and negatively charged gas-like mixture.