States of Matter

🔹 1. The Three States of Matter

Matter exists in three physical states:

PropertySolidLiquidGas
ShapeFixedTakes shape of containerNo fixed shape
VolumeFixedFixedNot fixed (compressible)
Particle arrangementTightly packed & regularClose but irregularFar apart and random
Particle movementVibrate in fixed positionMove slowly & slide pastMove rapidly in all directions
Energy levelLowestMediumHighest

🔹 2. Particle Theory of Matter

The particle theory explains the properties of solids, liquids, and gases by considering:

  • All matter is made of tiny particles.
  • These particles are in constant motion.
  • The forces of attraction between particles vary depending on the state.

✅ Example:

  • Ice (solid): Particles vibrate but stay in place.
  • Water (liquid): Particles move more freely than in a solid.
  • Steam (gas): Particles move rapidly and are far apart.

🔹 3. Changes of State

Substances can change from one state to another when heat is added or removed:

ChangeProcess NameEnergy Involved
Solid → LiquidMeltingHeat absorbed
Liquid → SolidFreezingHeat released
Liquid → GasBoiling/EvaporationHeat absorbed
Gas → LiquidCondensationHeat released
Solid → GasSublimationHeat absorbed
Gas → SolidDepositionHeat released

✅ Example:

  • Melting: Ice → Water at 0°C
  • Boiling: Water → Steam at 100°C
  • Sublimation: Solid iodine or dry ice (solid CO₂) → Vapour

🔹 4. Heating Curve of a Substance

Draw the heating curve of water starting from ice.


🔹 5. Diffusion

Diffusion is the movement of particles from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration. It happens fastest in gases and slower in liquids.

✅ Examples:

  • Bromine gas diffusing in air (reddish-brown gas spreads in a glass jar).
  • Smell of perfume spreading in a room.

đŸ§Ē Experiment: Place ammonia and hydrogen chloride at opposite ends of a glass tube. A white ring of ammonium chloride forms closer to the HCl side (since ammonia molecules are lighter and faster).


🔹 6. Factors Affecting Diffusion

  • Mass of particles: Lighter particles diffuse faster.
  • Temperature: Higher temperature = faster diffusion.
  • State of matter: Gases > liquids > solids in terms of diffusion speed.

🔹 7. Brownian Motion

Brownian motion is the random movement of small particles suspended in a fluid (liquid or gas), caused by collisions with faster-moving molecules.

✅ Example:

  • Pollen grains dancing on water surface
  • Smoke particles under a microscope

🔹 8. Kinetic Theory Summary

  • All particles are in motion.
  • Heating = more kinetic energy → particles move faster.
  • Cooling = less kinetic energy → particles move slower.

â­ī¸ Summary Table

StateArrangementMovementEnergyCompressibility
SolidTightly packedVibrate in placeLowNo
LiquidClose, irregularSlide past each otherMediumSlight
GasFar apartMove freelyHighYes

📌 Common Exam Questions

  1. Draw and label diagrams to show particle arrangement in solid, liquid, and gas.
  2. Explain why gases diffuse faster than liquids.
  3. Describe what happens to the particles when a solid melts.
  4. Why does the white ring of ammonium chloride form closer to the HCl end?

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