Key points
- Almost everything is made of particles.
- Particles can be atoms, molecules or ions.
- Particles behave differently in solids, liquids and gases.
- The particle model explains the differences between solids, liquids and gases.
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Water exists as a solid, liquid and as a gas. What name is used for solid water and gaseous water?
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Video
Watch this video to see a model of how are arranged in solids, liquids and gases.
Describe the arrangement and movement of the particles in a solid, liquid and gas.
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Solids
Lots of materials are solid, such as paper, bricks, wood, metal, and ice.
The particles in solids are very close together, therefore they cannot usually be compressed or squashed. of attraction between the particles hold them together and keep them in place.
The particles in solids are arranged in a regular way. The particles in solids move only by vibrating about a fixed position. This gives solids a fixed shape and means that they cannot flow like liquids.
The hotter a solid gets, the faster its particles vibrate. This means that solids expand when they are heated.
Did you know?
- When substances are heated and expand, their particles do not get any bigger.
- When heated, the particles begin to vibrate more which causes them to move slightly further apart.
By looking around, how many examples of solids can you see, touch, hear or feel?
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Liquids
There are many different liquids such as; water, oil, fruit juice, and many others.
The particles in liquids are arranged in a random way, and are close together, touching many of their neighbours. There are some gaps, but liquids cannot usually be compressed or squashed.
The particles of a liquid have enough energy to break free of some of the forces of attraction between the particles. So particles in liquids can move around and can move over each other, allowing liquids to flow and be poured.
In a diagram of the particles in a liquid, make sure that they are mostly touching but randomly arranged.
If there are large spaces between the particles, you would be able to compress the liquid.
Sand can be poured, but it is definitely a solid. Why is this?
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Gases
There are lots of different gases, such as the air we breathe or the helium used to fill balloons.
The particles in gases are widely spaced and randomly arranged, meaning they can be easily compressed or squashed.
The particles in a gas have enough energy to overcome the forces of attraction between the particles, so are free to move in any direction. They move quickly in straight lines, colliding with each other and the walls of their container.
There are large spaces between the particles of a gas. These spaces between particles are empty, there is nothing in them.
Why is helium gas used inside party balloons?
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The particle model of matter
Almost everything is made of particles, with the exception of electromagnetic waves, such as light and X-rays.
A particle is a single piece of matter from an element or a compound, which is too small to be seen, even with the most powerful microscope that you could find in a school science lab. Particles can be , or .
What are models?
are used in science to help explain scientific concepts. The particle model is the name for the diagrams used to draw solids, liquids and gases.
In the model, the particles are shown as circles or spheres. However, the particles in ice, liquid water and steam look the same because they are all water, but in different states of matter.
Why do we use the particle model in science? The particle model is not exactly the same as real life. Can you think of a way in which it is different?
Scientists use models to show things that are too small to see, like atoms or cells. Sometimes they use models of things which are much bigger, like the solar system.
Can you think of a scientific model which is life-sized?
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Working scientifically
Shear-thickening liquid
Shear-thickening liquid is an unusual liquid that can be slowly poured but acts like a solid if quickly struck. Try making this at home.
You will need six spoonfuls of cornflour or custard powder and three spoonfuls of water.
- Pour the cornflour into a container and slowly add water.
- Mix gently. It is hard to mix the cornflour and water.
- Stir the cornflour slime very slowly using the spoon. Then stir it quickly. Which is harder?
- Using two fingers, hit the cornflour slime very quickly. What happens?
Now slowly place your fingers into the slime. What is different? - Pick up a little slime and roll it into a ball with your hands. How does it feel?
Now stop rolling. How does its behaviour change? - Try adjusting the amounts of cornflour and water and notice the effects.
Variables
Scientific investigations often involve things that can be changed, known as variables. Scientists often want to find out if changing one variable will make a difference to another variable.
What are the variables in the shear-thickening liquid activity?
Find out more about variables.
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Test your knowledge
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Working safely in the lab
Find out how to spot risks, hazards and understand hazard symbols
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