PARTICLE THEORY of

MATTER
ACTIVITY 4
OBJECTIVES
•To understand the particle
theory of matter.

•To illustrate the particle models

of the 3 states of matter.
 WHAT IS MATTER?
Anything that has mass and occupies space
(volume)

 Everything is made of matter.

"If everything is made of

matter, how do we know
matter exists?" 
PARTICLE THEORY of MATTER

A THEORY is a A MODEL is used

series of statements as a guide for the
which are developed imagination
to explain several when using a
related observations theory.
PARTICLE THEORY of MATTER
PARTICLE THEORY of MATTER

This is a theory that can explain the

different properties of
solids, liquids and gases.
PARTICLE
THEORY
of
MATTER
 PARTICLE THEORY OF MATTER
• Matter is made up of tiny particles.
• Particles of matter are moving all
the time.
• These particles have spaces
between them.
• The particles of matter attract each
other.
STATES of MATTER
PARTICLE MODEL OF MATTER
PARTICLE MODEL OF MATTER
Particle Theory in Solids
• Solids have definite shapes and
volume because the particles are
packed closely together in fixed
positions.
• They vibrate a little but in these fixed
positions.
• The particles cannot move around.
• The particles of solids are held together by
strong forces.
Particle Theory in Solids
One common characteristic of both
solids and liquids is that the
particles are in contact with their
neighbors, that is, with other
particles.
Thus they are incompressible and
this commonality between solids
and liquids distinguishes them from
gases.
Particle Theory in Liquids
• The particles are closer to one
another, nudging one another as
they move.
• The attraction between particles is
stronger than those in gases.
• The particles move and change positions
that’s why they flow
Particle Theory in Liquids
• Liquids can flow out of a container and
can be poured into another while
maintaining their volume.
• This happens because there are
attractions among the particles of
liquid which hold them together
although not in fixed positions.
• These attractions also make it possible
for liquids to have a definite volume.
Particle Theory in Gases
• The particles are far from each other
and move at random directions very
quickly in straight-line paths.
• They collide with one another and
with the walls of the container.
• They change direction only when
they rebound from the collisions.
Particle Theory in Gases
• The distance between particles is
large compared to the size of the
particles.

• This explains why a gas spreads.

• Its particles fill all the available

space in the container.
Particle Theory in Gases
• Gases take the shape of the container
because the particles are able to move
freely to all parts of the container.

• This model also explains the

compressibility of gases.
• The distances between particles are
large and so there is room for the
particles to move closer to each other
when compressed.
 Scientists find the particle model
useful for two reasons.

• First, it provides a reasonable explanation for

the behavior of matter.

• Second, it presents a very important idea—the

particles of matter are always moving.

Matter that seems perfectly motionless is not

motionless at all.
The air you breathe, your books,
your desk, and even your body all
consist of particles that are in
constant motion.

Thus, the particle model can be

used to explain the properties of
solids, liquids, and gases.

It can also be used to explain

what happens in changes of state
CHANGES IN MATTER
Solid to Liquid = Melting

Liquid to Solid = Freezing/Solidification

Liquid to Gas= Evaporation

Gas to Liquid= Condensation