Kinetic Theory of Matter
Jean Brainard, Ph.D.
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Printed: November 9, 2015
AUTHOR
Jean Brainard, Ph.D.
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C HAPTER
Chapter 1. Kinetic Theory of Matter
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Kinetic Theory of Matter
• State the kinetic theory of matter.
• Relate kinetic energy to state of matter.
This neat row of cola bottles represents matter in three different states—solid, liquid, and gas. The bottles and caps
are solids, the cola is a liquid, and carbon dioxide dissolved in the cola is a gas. It gives cola its fizz. Solids, liquids,
and gases such as these have different properties. Solids have a fixed shape and a fixed volume. Liquids also have a
fixed volume but can change their shape. Gases have neither a fixed shape nor a fixed volume. What explains these
differences in states of matter? The answer has to do with energy.
Moving Matter
Energy is the ability to cause changes in matter. For example, your body uses chemical energy when you lift your
arm or take a step. In both cases, energy is used to move matter—you. Any matter that is moving has energy just
because it’s moving. The energy of moving matter is called kinetic energy. Scientists think that the particles of all
matter are in constant motion. In other words, the particles of matter have kinetic energy. The theory that all matter
consists of constantly moving particles is called the kinetic theory of matter. You can learn more about the theory
at this URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Agk7_D4-deY .
Kinetic Energy and States of Matter
Differences in kinetic energy explain why matter exists in different states. Particles of matter are attracted to each
other, so they tend to pull together. The particles can move apart only if they have enough kinetic energy to overcome
this force of attraction. It’s like a tug of war between opposing sides, with the force of attraction between particles
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on one side and the kinetic energy of individual particles on the other side. The outcome of the “war” determines
the state of matter.
• If particles do not have enough kinetic energy to overcome the force of attraction between them, matter exists
as a solid. The particles are packed closely together and held rigidly in place. All they can do is vibrate. This
explains why solids have a fixed volume and a fixed shape.
• If particles have enough kinetic energy to partly overcome the force of attraction between them, matter exists
as a liquid. The particles can slide past one another but not pull apart completely. This explains why liquids
can change shape but have a fixed volume.
• If particles have enough kinetic energy to completely overcome the force of attraction between them, matter
exists as a gas. The particles can pull apart and spread out. This explains why gases have neither a fixed
volume nor a fixed shape.
Look at the Figure 1.1. It sums up visually the relationship between kinetic energy and state of matter. You can see
an animated diagram at this URL:
http://www.tutorvista.com/content/physics/physics-i/heat/kinetic-molecular-theory.php
FIGURE 1.1
Q: How could you use a bottle of cola to demonstrate these relationships between kinetic energy and state of matter?
A: You could shake a bottle of cola and then open it. Shaking causes carbon dioxide to come out of the cola solution
and change to a gas. The gas fizzes out of the bottle and spreads into the surrounding air, showing that its particles
have enough kinetic energy to spread apart. Then you could tilt the open bottle and pour out a small amount of the
cola on a table, where it will form a puddle. This shows that particles of the liquid have enough kinetic energy to
slide over each other but not enough to pull apart completely. If you do nothing to the solid glass of the cola bottle,
it will remain the same size and shape. Its particles do not have enough energy to move apart or even to slide over
each other.
Summary
• According to the kinetic theory, particles of matter are in constant motion. The energy of motion is called
kinetic energy.
• The kinetic energy of particles of matter determines the state of matter. Particles of solids have the least kinetic
energy and particles of gases have the most.
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Chapter 1. Kinetic Theory of Matter
Explore More
Watch the video below (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCL8zqjXbME ) and then answer the questions that
follow.
MEDIA
Click image to the left or use the URL below.
URL: http://www.ck12.org/flx/render/embeddedobject/161917
Questions
1. Describe the motion of particles in ice, liquid water, and water vapor.
2. Apply the kinetic theory of matter to explain the differences in your answer to question 1.
Review
1. State the kinetic theory of matter.
2. Explain the relationship between kinetic energy and state of matter.
References
1. Zachary Wilson. Relationship between kinetic energy and state of matter . CC BY-NC 3.0
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