Kinetic Theory of Matter

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Matter Noun

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[mat-er]

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Matter

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Anything that possesses mass and occupies space, existing in various states such as solid, liquid, or gas.

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Example: This diagram shows the three states of matter—solid, liquid, and gas—and how the particles are arranged in each, linking temperature to particle motion.

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Solid Noun

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[sol-id]

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Solid

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A state of matter characterized by a fixed shape and volume, with particles packed closely and vibrating in place.

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Example: This diagram shows that in a solid, particles are arranged in a fixed, tightly packed pattern and have low kinetic energy, as indicated by the temperature scale.

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Liquid Noun

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[lik-wid]

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Liquid

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A state of matter that has a fixed volume but no fixed shape, allowing its particles to slide past one another.

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Example: This diagram shows the particle arrangement in a liquid, where particles are close but can move past each other, taking the shape of their container.

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Gas Noun

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[gas]

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Gas

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A state of matter with no fixed shape or volume, where particles move freely and expand to fill their container.

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Example: Adding heat energy to liquid water makes its particles move faster and farther apart, causing it to turn into a gas called steam.

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Volume Noun

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[vol-yoom]

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Volume

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The measure of the amount of three-dimensional space that a substance or an object occupies.

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Example: This image shows how to measure the volume of a liquid using a graduated cylinder, which is the amount of space the liquid occupies.

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Energy Noun

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[en-er-jee]

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Energy

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The capacity or ability to do work or to cause changes in matter, such as moving an object or altering its state.

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Example: This image categorizes energy into potential (stored) and kinetic (motion) forms, showing examples like batteries for potential and windmills for kinetic energy.

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Kinetic Energy Noun

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[ki-net-ik en-er-jee]

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Kinetic Energy

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The energy that an object or its constituent particles possess as a direct result of their motion.

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Example: This image shows a bus in motion, representing kinetic energy, which is the energy an object possesses due to its movement.

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Kinetic Theory of Matter Noun

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[ki-net-ik thee-uh-ree ov mat-er]

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Kinetic Theory of Matter

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The scientific model stating that all matter is composed of particles in constant, random motion, which determines its physical state.

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Example: This diagram illustrates the Kinetic Theory of Matter by showing particle arrangement: tightly packed in solids, close but mobile in liquids, and far apart in gases.