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States of Matter and Particle Behavior

Oct 13, 2025

Overview

The lecture reviews the definition of matter and explains the behavior of particles in solids, liquids, and gases, focusing on movement, spacing, energy, and intermolecular forces.

What is Matter?

  • Matter is anything that has mass (amount of particles) and volume (space it occupies).
  • Mass measures the amount of atoms and molecules in an object.
  • Volume is how much space an object takes up.
  • Matter includes anything made of atoms or molecules; energy is not matter.

States of Matter

  • States of matter are different physical forms: solid, liquid, and gas.
  • Water is a common example that exists in all three states (ice, water, water vapor).

Particle Behavior in Each State

  • In solids, particles vibrate in place and cannot move from position to position.
  • In liquids, particles rotate, slide past, and tumble over each other, allowing movement.
  • In gases, particles move very fast and bounce around at high speeds.

Particle Arrangement and Spacing

  • Particles in solids are very close together, often in organized rows.
  • Particles in liquids are also close together but can move around each other.
  • Particles in gases are far apart from each other.

Energy and Motion

  • Solids have the least heat energy and the least particle motion.
  • Liquids have more energy and motion than solids but less than gases.
  • Gases have the most energy and motion.

Intermolecular Forces (IMF)

  • IMF are attractive forces between molecules or atoms (not to be confused with chemical bonds).
  • Strongest in solids, weaker in liquids, and nearly nonexistent in gases.
  • As particles get farther apart (with added energy), IMF weakens.

Freedom of Particle Movement

  • Solid particles are locked in place (not free to move), due to strong IMF.
  • Liquid particles are free to move around each other but remain clumped together.
  • Gas particles are completely free and move independently, with no IMF.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Matter — anything with mass and volume, made of atoms or molecules.
  • Mass — the amount of matter (particles) in an object.
  • Volume — the space an object occupies.
  • States of Matter — physical forms: solid, liquid, gas.
  • Intermolecular Forces (IMF) — attractions between molecules or atoms, not chemical bonds.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review and memorize particle behavior in solids, liquids, and gases.
  • Prepare for next video on how particle behavior affects properties of states of matter.