States of Matter and
Kinetic Theory
-Matter is any substance that occupies space
and has mass.
-Matter is made up of particles (atoms,
molecules or ions)
-It exists in three states: solid, liquid
and gas
The properties and differences between the
three states
Property
|
Solid
|
Liquid
|
Gas
|
Shape
|
fixed
|
Not fixed
|
Not fixed
|
Volume
|
fixed
|
fixed
|
Not fixed
|
Compressibility
(can it be compressed?)
|
✖
|
✖
|
✔
|
Density (relative)
|
High
|
Medium
|
Low
|
Matter can be converted from one state to
another. The processes associated with changes of state are shown below ⬇
Gas → Condensation → Liquid
Gas ← Evaporation ← Liquid
Solid→ Freezing → Liquid
Solid ← Melting ← Liquid
Gas → Solidification → Solid
Gas ← Sublimation ← Solid
The Kinetic Theory explains the changes that occur when matter changes state.. Generally, heating causes particles to gain kinetic energy and move about rapidly. The movement can be rotational, vibrational or even translational in nature.
