Topic 1

The Particulate Nature of

Matter

Learning Outcomes
1.
2.
3.

4.

5.
6.

Describe the concept of matter.

Identify the properties of the three states of matter.
Describe the states of matter and the kinetic
particle theory.
Discuss the changes of states using appropriate
examples and activities.
Explain the formation of cloud and rain.
Conduct appropriate investigations to explain the
changes of states of matter.

Whats the chemistry?

Chemistry is the science that describes matter

its properties, the changes it undergoes, and the
energy changes that accompany those
processes.

1.1 WHAT IS MATTER?

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies

space.
Mass - Measure of the quantity of matter

1.2 STATES OF MATTER

Matter can be classified into three states:

Solid

Liquid

Gas

1.3 PROPERTIES OF MATTER

Solid, liquid and gas have different physical

properties..

Physical properties - are characteristics that do

not change the identity and composition of the
substance; colour, density, hardness, melting
point, boiling point

Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical Properties

As water is converted from one state to another,

its composition is constant.

Physical Properties

A comparison of some physical properties of the three

states of matter:

Physical Properties

A comparison of some physical properties of the three

states of matter:

Properties

Solid

Liquid

Gas

Rigidity

Rigid

Flows and
assumes shape
of container

Fills any
container
completely

Expansion on
heating

Slight

Slight

Expands
infinitely

Compressibility

Slight

Slight

Easily
compressed

1.4 STATE OF MATTER &

KINETIC PARTICLE TEORY
The kinetic particle theory of matter:
1.

All matter is made up of tiny particles that are too small to

be seen.

2.

There are spaces between the particles.

3.

There are attractive forces between the particles. The

weaker these forces are, the further apart are the particles.

4.

The particles are always moving.

5.

At high temperature, the particles move faster than they do

at low temperature.

Three States of Matter

Three States of Matter

Three States of Matter

Diffusion

The kinetic particle theory can also be used to

explain the process of diffusion - gradual mixing
of substances.
How perfume diffuses?

When the lid is taken off, the liquid perfume evaporates easily.
Since there are only weak forces between the particles, they
can spread out, moving away from the crowded bottle to
places where there are fewer particles of perfume.
Eventually, the particles spread evenly throughout the air in
the room.

Diffusion

1.5 CHANGES OF STATE OF

MATTER

1.5 CHANGES OF STATE OF

MATTER
Physical Processes

Change of states

Change of energy

Melting

Solid

Liquid

Absorbed

Freezing

Liquid

Solid

Released

Evaporation

Liquid

Gas

Absorbed

Condensation

Gas

Liquid

Released

Sublimation

Solid

Gas

Absorbed

1.6 CLOUD & RAIN FORMATION

The kinetic particle theory of matter:
1.

All matter is made up of tiny particles that are too small to

be seen.

2.

There are spaces between the particles.

3.

There are attractive forces between the particles. The

weaker these forces are, the further apart are the particles.

4.

The particles are always moving.

5.

At high temperature, the particles move faster than they do

at low temperature.

1.6 CLOUD & RAIN FORMATION

The formation of cloud
The formation of clouds involved condensation
and evaporation.

Condensation occurs when water vapour (gas) in

the air changes into liquid due to cooling.

These water droplets are formed when water

vapour condenses around a condensation centre
- a tiny particle of smoke, dust, ash or salt.

1.6 CLOUD & RAIN FORMATION

The formation of cloud
Visible clouds are tiny water droplets suspended
in the air.

Clouds float in the air and are moved by the

wind.

1.6 CLOUD & RAIN FORMATION

The formation of rain
Rain is liquid water that falls from clouds.

Rain occurs when the water droplets in a cloud

get too heavy to stay suspended in the sky and
so fall due to gravity.

1.6 CLOUD & RAIN FORMATION

The formation of rain
In a super-cooled atmosphere, water droplets
and ice crystals in a cloud interact to produce
more ice crystals.

However, these crystals from the cloud will melt

as they fall. Otherwise, hail can happen. But this
rarely occurs.