1.

SOLIDS
You can use the idea of particles to explain the properties of solids, liquids and gases. The
strength of bonds between particles is different in all three states. It explains why solids
cannot flow, and why gases can be compressed.

Examples of solids
Steel, plastic and wood are solids at room temperature. Ice is solid water.

Particle model:

Properties of solids:
The particles in a solid have the following properties:
 they are close together
 they are arranged in a regular pattern
 they are held together by strong forces called bonds
 they can vibrate in a fixed position

The table below shows some of the properties of solids and why they are like this

Property of solids Why they are like this

They have a fixed shape and The particles cannot move from place to place.
cannot flow.
They cannot be compressed The particles are close together and have no space to move
or squashed. into.
 2. LIQUIDS
You can use the idea of particles to explain the properties of solids, liquids and gases. The
strength of bonds between particles is different in all three states. It explains why solids
cannot flow, and why gases can be compressed.

Examples of liquids
Mercury, lemonade and water are liquids at room temperature.

Particle model:

Properties of liquids:
The particles in a liquid are:
 close together
 arranged in a random way
 can move around each other
The bonds in a liquid are strong enough to keep the particles close together, but weak
enough to let them move around each other.

The table below shows some of the properties of solids and why they are like this

Property of liquids Why they are like this

They flow and take the shape of The particles can move around each other.
their container.
They cannot be compressed or The particles are close together and have no
squashed. space to move into.
 3. GASES
You can use the idea of particles to explain the properties of solids, liquids and gases.
The strength of bonds between particles is different in all three states. It explains why
solids cannot flow, and why gases can be compressed.
Examples of gases:
Air, helium and chlorine are gases at room temperature. Water vapour is water as a gas.

Particle model:

Properties of gases:
The particles in a gas are:
 far apart
 arranged in a random way
 can move quickly in all directions
There are no bonds between the particles in a gas, so they are free to move in any
direction.

The table below shows some of the properties of solids and why they are like this

Property of gases Why they are like this

They flow and completely fill The particles can move quickly in all directions.
their container.
They can be compressed or The particles are far apart and have space to move into.
squashed.