Arrangement of Particles in Solids, Liquids, and Gases

General Properties of Matter

• Matter exists in three states: solid, liquid, and gas.
• All matter is made up of particles that are constantly in motion.

Solids

• Particle Arrangement:
  • Particles are closely packed in an ordered arrangement.
  • Minimal empty spaces between particles.
• Particle Motion:
  • Particles do not move around but vibrate about their fixed positions.
• Forces of Attraction:
  • Very strong forces of attraction hold particles together.

Liquids

• Particle Arrangement:
  • Particles are loosely arranged but still remain close together.
  • More empty space between particles compared to solids.
• Particle Motion:
  • Particles move around quite fast and slide past each other.
• Forces of Attraction:
  • Weaker forces of attraction between particles compared to solids, allowing movement.

Gases

• Particle Arrangement:
  • Particles are not arranged in any particular way, with very large spaces between them.
• Particle Motion:
  • Particles move much faster than in liquids and move randomly.
• Forces of Attraction:
  • Extremely weak forces of attraction allow particles to move freely.

Example: Mercury

• Phase Changes and Temperature:
  • Mercury is a solid below -39°C.
  • Mercury becomes a liquid between -39°C and 357°C.
  • Above 357°C, mercury turns into a gas.
• Consistency Across States:
  • The particles that make up mercury remain the same regardless of the state (solid, liquid, gas).
  • Differences in state arise from changes in particle arrangement, forces between particles, empty spaces, and particle speed.