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Particle Diagrams

The arrangement of particles in a certain phase can be represented by a diagram. These show simplified particles to illustrate principles.

Solid phase

Solid phase

  • Crystalline solids have a regular, ordered, repeating pattern which forms a solid lattice.
  • Amorphous solids have a disrupted arrangement but particles are closely associated and hold their shape.
Liquid phase

Liquid phase

  • Particles are closely associated but do not form a regular lattice.
  • Particles are free to fill and match the shape of the container.
  • Liquid particles move over each other The arrangement and movement of the particles is dependent on the intermolecular forces between the particles.
Gas Phase

Gas Phase

  • Particles are much more spread out.
  • Particles are very far apart and do not have strong associations.
  • Volume is determined largely by the temperature, pressure or container.
    • Gas particles are constantly moving.
    • Their frequencies of collision and the average spacing between them are dependent on temperature, pressure, and volume.
Jump to other topics
1

Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter

2

Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure

3

Structure - Classification of Matter

3.1

The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements

3.2

Periodic Trends

3.3

Group 1 Alkali Metals

3.4

Halogens

3.5

Noble gases, group 18

3.6

Functional Groups: Classification of Organic

3.7

Functional Group Chemistry

3.8

Alkanes

3.9

Alcohols

3.10

Halogenoalkanes

4

Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?

5

Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

6

Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change

7

Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis

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