Characteristics of Particles of Matter

 

Characteristics of Particles of Matter

Matter

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.

• Everything that we can touch, see, hear, taste and also smell is matter.
• It is made up of really tiny particles which cannot be seen through the eye.

The particles of which the matter is comprised influence its state and properties (physical and chemical).

1. Particles of matter have spaces between them

• This characteristic is one of the concepts behind the solubility of a substance in other substances. For example, on dissolving sugar in water, there is no rise in the water level because the particles of sugar get into the interparticle spaces between the water particles.

2. Particles of matter are always in motion

• Particles of matter show continuous random movements due to the kinetic energy they possess.
• A rise in temperature increases the kinetic energy of the particles, making them move more vigorously.

3. Particles of matter attract each other
In every substance, there is an interparticle force of attraction acting between the particles. To break a substance, we need to overcome this force. The strength of the force differs from one substance to another.

Diffusion

When the particles of matter intermix on their own with each other, the phenomenon is called diffusion. For example, spreading of ink in water.

• During diffusion, the particles occupy the interparticle spaces.
• The rate of diffusion increases with an increase in temperature due to increase in the kinetic energy of the particles.