How do particles move in different states of matter?

1 Answer
Oct 8, 2015

The particle model of matter (kinetic molecular theory) explains as given below.

Explanation:

In solids, particles are very closely packed in an orderly arrangement in a lattice and only vibrate in fixed positions.
The forces of attraction between them are very strong.

In liquids, there are bigger spaces between particles and they move more freely and take the shape of their container.

In gases, there are large spaces between particles and they mover very freely and randomly and the forces of attraction between them are weak.
Gas particles are at a higher temperature and so possesses a higher average kinetic energy than particles in the other phases and hence move much faster. This allows them to overcome the forces of attraction that hold the other phases closer together.