What are the characteristics of particles of matter?
Particles of matter show three distinct characteristics:
● Particles of matter have space in between them
For example, when copper sulphate crystals are mixed with water, the colour of the water changes. This happens because the particles of copper sulphate occupy the spaces between the particles of water.
● Particles of matter are continuously moving
For example, when a drop of ink is added to water, it moves around in the water even without being stirred. This happens because the particles of ink move about on their own accord. They have kinetic energy stored in them to help them move about.
● Particles of matter attract each other
It is this force of attraction that keeps the particles together and decides the shape of the matter.
For example, a piece of chalk can be easily broken by hand, but an iron nail cannot. This is because the force of attraction between the particles of iron is much stronger than that between the particles of chalk.
What are the states of matter?
Based on the characteristics of the particles of matter, three states of matter can be defined.
States of matter
(i) Solid state
When the particles of matter are strongly attracted to each other, there is very little space between them. This state of matter is Solid.
(ii) Liquid state
When the particles of matter are not as strongly attracted to each other as they are in solids, they are loosely packed together. This state of matter is Liquid.
(iii) Gaseous state
When there is hardly any attractive force between the particles, they are far away from each other. This resultant state of matter is Gaseous.