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KINETIC THEORY OF MATTER

 Matter is made up of small particles called atoms or a group of atoms called
molecules. The size of each particle is different for different materials.
 The distance between molecules can change depending on the Internal Energy
(kinetic + potential) of the molecule or atom.
 Particles are always in motion (moving). The higher the temperature the faster the
molecules move/vibrates.
 At the same temperature, all molecules have the same energy. Small particles move
faster while heavy particles moves slowly.

States Of Matter

States of SOLID LIQUID GAS

matter
Have a definite Have a definite Have no definite shape and
volume and volume but no definite volume. (wholly fills up the
definite shape. shape (takes the shape container and takes the shape
Properties
Not compressible of the container). of the container). Highly
Slightly compressible compressible

Molecules are very Molecules slightly Molecules are much further

Distance close to each other further apart than in apart. So gases can be
between solids but still close compressed or squeezed in
molecules together to have a smaller space.
definite volume
Forces Held by strong Particle held by less No or less forces of attraction.
between forces of attraction strong forces. Molecules are free to move in
molecules called bonds. any direction.
Molecules vibrate Free to move Moves freely at high speed
Motion to and fro at a fixed colliding with each other and
position. the walls of the container.

Motion of Gas Molecules and its Temperature and Pressure.

If a gas is heated in a closed container, its molecules gain kinetic energy and begin to hit the
walls of the container more frequently than before. This causes an increase in pressure on the
walls of the container. The faster the gas molecules move, the higher the temperature they
attain. The gas container can explode if it can’t withstand the pressure build up.

Physics Notes: KINETIC THEORY OF MATTER. leemok productions 2012©

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Brownian Motion
Brownian motion gives us the evidence that molecules in suspension (gases) are constantly
moving. When smoke is trapped in a glass box (smoke cell) and is observed with a
microscope, the smoke particle can be seen as bright specks moving around in a random and
haphazard manner.

This is because they collide with gas molecules that move at high velocities at random paths.
Smoke particles are bigger compared to air particles. The specks of light seen is where
collision between smoke particles and air particles occur. This phenomena is known as
Brownian motion..

Evaporation

Evaporation is the escape of high energy molecules from the surface of a liquid. Evaporation
results in a drop in the temperature of the liquid from which the molecules escaped. This is
because the molecules that escape acquire energy to do so from those which remain in the
liquid.Evaporation only takes place at the surface of the liquid and occurs at any temperature.
Factors That Affect Evaporation
A number of factors affect the rate of evaporation. These are;
 Wind speed (drought).An increase in wind speed causes an increase in rate of
evaporation
 Surface area. The larger the surface area the higher the rate of evaporation.
 Temperature. The higher the temperature the higher the rate of evaporation
 Humidity. The higher the humidity the lower the rate of evaporation.
Applications of evaporeation
 Ether is used in fridges to cool their interiors
 Water sacks are put under the shade and moistened with water so that the water inside
cools as the molecules outside evaporate.
 Organisms cool themselves by evaporation using different ways,
. Dogs = Panting
Elephants= Flap their ears
Humans= Perspiration
Plants=Evaporation from leaves

Physics Notes: KINETIC THEORY OF MATTER. leemok productions 2012©