O Level Chemistry: Particulate Nature of Matter / Kinetic Particle Theory 2

29 Jan

Posted by: sean in: Chemistry Notes & Tips

Solids Liquids Gases

(Photo Courtesy Loupe Clean)

In the previous post, i have discussed on the overview checklist that students need to know about this topic of Particulate Nature of Matter (commonly known as Kinetic Particle Theory).

Besides the “connection between relative molecular mass of a gas & its rate of diffusion” which is listed as very important, students should also know how to describe & differentiate the 3 States of Matter: Solids, Liquids & Gases, with respect to:

Arrangement of the particles
Forces between the particles
Movement of the particles
Energy of the particles
Density

Let’s take a look at it now.

Comparison	Solids	Liquids	Gases
Arrangement of particles	Closely packed together in an orderly arrangement	Close together in a disorderly arrangement	Far apart in a random arrangement
Forces between particles	Strong forces	Strong forces	No forces
Movement of particles	Vibrates about their fixed positions	Slide past each other randomly	Move about quickly & randomly
Energy of particles	Low	Moderate	High
Density	High (bcos particles are close together)	Quite high (bcos particles are close together)	Low (bcos particles are far apart)

With the above comparisons, we shall now discuss which States of Matter can be compressed upon the application of pressure – something that we learn from parents and junior schools when we are young.

Solids - Not compressible

Reason: Particles are closely packed together and no empty spaces for particles to move in

Liquids - Not compressible

Reason: Particles are closely packed together and no empty spaces for particles to move in

Gases - Compressible

Reason: Particles are very far apart from each other and they are alot of empty spaces for particles to move in, upon the application of any kind of pressure

Hope you have learned something here! I would love to hear from you on how find it. =)

Now, it’s time for you to try out some Chemistry exam-based questions.

Quick Check 1:

Which of them has a fixed volume? Solids, Liquids or Gases? Explain your choices with respect to how their particles are being arranged. (2 marks)

Quick Check 2:

Many of Singapore homes as well as eateries and coffee shops are having cylinders in their premises known as LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas).

Suggest why large amounts of butane gas, used for cooking, are stored in liquid in cylinders. (1 mark)

PS: You can write your suggested answer below in the Comments Section. We will get back to you soon with our suggested answers.

Click here for early bird registration!

What's Next?

Digg it

Stumble it

Twitter it

2 Responses

Kerk Yan Juin
07|Feb|2010 1

Quick Check 1:

Which of them has a fixed volume? Solids, Liquids or Gases? Explain your choices with respect to how their particles are being arranged. (2 marks)

Solids have fixed volume. The force of attraction of the particles in the solids are very strong and they are closely packed until they can only vibrate in their fixed position.

Quick Check 2:

Many of Singapore homes as well as eateries and coffee shops are having cylinders in their premises known as LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas).

Suggest why large amounts of butane gas, used for cooking, are stored in liquid in cylinders. (1 mark)

When a gas is being compressed, the particles will be closer and thus form liquid under a high pressure. As we can see, a large amount of petroleum gas compressed into a cylinder is definitely saving the spaces and easier to be used.

Reply
nwagbogun jennifer
21|Feb|2010 2

[1] liquid have fixed volumes because they cannot move about their fixed points and are not compressible [2] butane is stored in cylinders so that their will not be any oulet for gas to move out becuase they move randomly

Reply