States of Matter
Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 2.2.1
States of Matter
Substances can exist in 3 different states of matter.
Solid
- In solids, particles are very close together and vibrate in a fixed position.
- Solids have a fixed shape and volume.
- When heated, the particles vibrate more intensely.
Liquid
- In liquids, particles are very close together but they move and flow randomly past one another.
- Liquids have a fixed volume but can change shape and fill a container.
- When heated, the average speed of particles increases.
Gas
- In gases, particles are far apart and move randomly in all directions.
- Gases change shape and volume to fill whatever container they are in.
- When heated, the average speed of particles increases.
Test yourself on States of Matter
Why does heating a solid make its particles vibrate more, while heating a liquid makes its particles move faster?
Why does heating a gas increase how fast its particles move, while heating a solid only makes its particles vibrate more?
Why can a liquid change shape to fill a container, while a solid cannot?