Arrangement of Particles in Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Matter and Its States

• Matter exists in three states: solid, liquid, and gas.
• In all states, matter is composed of particles.

Particle Arrangement

• Solids

  • Particles are closely packed in an ordered arrangement.
  • Particles vibrate but do not move freely.
  • Small spaces between particles.
  • Strong forces of attraction keep particles tightly bound.

• Liquids

  • Particles are loosely arranged yet still close together.
  • Particles move fast and slide past each other.
  • Larger spaces between particles than in solids.
  • Weaker forces of attraction allow more movement.

• Gases

  • Particles have no specific arrangement and move randomly.
  • Particles move much faster than in liquids.
  • Very large spaces between particles.
  • Extremely weak forces of attraction, allowing free movement.

Particle Motion

• All particles are in constant motion.
  • Solids: Vibrate in fixed positions.
  • Liquids: Move quickly and slide past one another.
  • Gases: Move randomly and rapidly.

Forces of Attraction

• Vary among the states:
  • Solids: Very strong.
  • Liquids: Weaker.
  • Gases: Extremely weak.

Example: Mercury

• Transitions
  • Solid below -39°C.
  • Liquid between -39°C and 357°C.
  • Gas above 357°C.
• Particle Consistency
  • Particles remain the same across states.
  • Differences in arrangement, forces, empty spaces, and speed of particles.