1.7.2

Particle Diagrams

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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.

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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.
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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.
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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

1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter

2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure

3Structure - Classification of Matter

3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements

3.2Periodic Trends

3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals

3.4Halogens

3.5Noble gases, group 18

3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic

3.7Functional Group Chemistry

3.8Alkanes

3.9Alcohols

3.10Halogenoalkanes

4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?

5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change

7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis

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