Characteristics of Particles of Matter

The matter is any entity that has mass and occupies space. There are different types of matter that we may find around us and they can exist in any of the three forms- solid, liquid, or gas, at a given point in time. 

Matters not only have different forms but are also made up of tiny particles. These particles are so tiny that it is not possible to witness them with the naked eye. There are different characteristics of matter that we have discussed below. Also, there are seven states of matter that one may find. These seven states are solids, liquids, gases, ionized, plasma, quark-gluon plasma, Bose-Einstein condensate, and fermionic condensate. Matter includes atoms and any particles that act that they both have rest mass and volume. 

What do you Mean by Characteristics of Particles of Matter?

We are aware that every substance around us is made up of tiny particles that are called matter. So these particles have some characteristics and are capable of influencing the state of properties. These properties can be both physical and chemical properties of the substance. Here we are going to reflect on three characteristics of matter. 

What are the Characteristics of Particles of Matter?

Three characteristics of particles of matter are as follows:

• The particles inside have space between them

• The particles are continuously moving which means that they are constantly in motion 

• The particles attract each other

How to Illustrate the Fact that One Substance is Soluble in Other Substance?

In every particle matter, there is a small void or space. These characteristics can be defined as the concept that supports the solubility of a substance in other substances. Now, in order to understand or to say illustrate that one substance is soluble in other substances, take a glass of water and put a teaspoon of salt and sugar and then mix them properly. Next, you will witness that the water is still looking clear. The reason why it looks clean is that the particles of salt and sugar get into the interparticle spaces between the particles of water. This fact proves that there are spaces between particles of a substance. Now, if you add more sugar to it, you will notice that it will dissolve until the entire available void between the water particles gets filled.

Explain with Suitable Examples that Particles are Constantly in Motion?

We have learned above that particles are always moving continuously. The reason why particles in the matter show continuous movement is that they possess kinetic energy that helps in this form of movement. Some of the common examples of these characteristics of matter can be understood f we notice the spread of the ink in a beaker glass, the smell of incense sticks, and similar things as such that illustrate that particles of a substance are continuously moving.

What is Diffusion?

Particles in the matter are always on move. Now, if the particles of two different matters intermix on their own, then that state will be referred to as diffusion. When the temperature is increased, the diffusion of these particles inside the substance becomes fast. The reason why it becomes fast is that an increase in the temperature also increases the kinetic energy of the particles. This makes them move vigorously. 

Do Particles in Matter Attract Each Other? Give Suitable Examples.

Yes, the particles in matter attract each other. For instance take an iron rod, a pen, or a stick of chalk. Next, try to break each of them one by one. Observe which item was easy to break? You will find that the iron rod is much stronger and hard to break than the other two substances. This is because the particles inside them are held by the interparticle force of attraction. This interparticle force of attraction is present in all the substance that creates the attraction between the particles. So, in order to break anything we are required to overcome the force. The strength required differs from substance to substance. 

What Determines the Physical State of Any Matter?

There are two forms of things that determine the physical state of the matter primarily. These two things are kinetic energy and interparticle force of attraction. 

How to Determine the Physical Properties of Matter?

We know that everything we see around us is matter. They have mass and occupies space. However, it is important to understand all matter does not have the same physical properties. One of the common examples of this fact is that salt particles are soluble in water while sand particles are insoluble. So these factors can be stated as the physical properties of matter. 

Here’s an Example of how One can Determine the Physical Properties of Matter:

We can do an experiment to determine the physical properties of matter. At first, take four to five crystals of potassium permanganate. Now dissolve them in the water of 300 ml. Next, in 100 ml of pure water kept in a separate beaker, pour 20ml of the solution. Repeat the above method in 20 ml of the solution in the same 100 ml of pure water. 

Keep diluting the solution and repeat the process 8 to 10times and observe the change in colour, of the last solution. It will turn pink in colour. Therefore it can be concluded that potassium permanganate even in the least amount can change the solution's colour. Thus, by the implication of these experiments, it can understand that matter can be broken into million small pieces which are indestructible in nature. 

Name the Physical Properties of Matter

The physical properties of matter are as follows:

• Matters can be broken into millions of small pieces to tiny pieces and further. 

• Everything around is matter. The matter has mass and occupies space.

What are the States in which Matter Exist?

Matter exists in three states which are solids, liquids and gas. For example, ice is solid, water is liquid, and steam is the gaseous form of water. So in all three states matter exists. 

What is the Other State in which Matter Exists?

The other states in which matter is said to exist are plasma, fermionic condensates, quark-gluon plasma and so on. 

What is the Difference between Mass and Matter?

Often people get confused between mass and matter. However, the two are not the same thing. It means that any physical substance that we see around us is matter. On the other hand, mass is a quantitative property of matter and is not a substance. The opposite of matter is anti-matter while there is no such opposite of mass.

State About the Particle Theory

The particle theory of matter is also known as the kinetic theory of matter. It states that all matter consists of tiny particle which is in a continuous motion. The particle theory helps us in understanding the property and behavior of the material. 

How to Study the Characteristics of Particles of Matter

As the students learned about the ‘matter’ and the characteristics of its particles through the above content, it was insightful to discover its properties. Comprehending these paragraphs was made easier with the help of relevant examples, experiments and questions available. Let us now dig deep into the 5 R’s formula that would help the students to learn, revise and perform better. 

The 5 R’s Formula 

• Read Important Topics 

It is highly advisable that students should read all the important topics and that too deeply. This helps to enhance the morale of students as the fact that more than half of the syllabus is done gives the student satisfaction and gives their confidence a boost. Another important thing is that reading important topics doesn't mean that you should not pay heed to the rest of the topics of the syllabus. All parts of the syllabus are equally important and leaving even the smallest bit of your course can cost you more than you ever thought was possible. So, make sure that you always give equal time and attention to each of them. When you read extensively, you get an insight into the topics present in the syllabus and relate to them well. This is an extremely important technique which students should try and it will help you crack your exams. 

• Repeated Revisions 

Another important habit that students shall adopt is revising the content repeatedly. The more you revise, the more you gain clarity and it helps to instill confidence in students. The benefits of revisions are not unknown to anyone and hence, this habit of revising regularly and repeatedly shall be necessarily blended into your existing study habits. Skipping or delaying your tasks now and then won't fetch you anything and whatever you would leave, would trouble you time and again, and hence, it is advisable to stay true to your goals and achieve every chunk of your target. 

• Revise Notes 

Revising notes in the last days of exams is a vital step as it is a quick process and at the same time, it enhances your grasping power. You should also customize your notes according to your methods of learning and study habits or patterns. Some of the students may find it easy to learn with examples while others may prefer some other way. It's completely up to you how you like to study. And once you master the skills of making notes, it helps you in the best ways as they are very handy and useful. No shortcuts would help you succeed but once you develop a positive attitude to approach the problems, the journey would become easier. 

• Review Mock Tests 

What to do now? What to do when you are over with all your syllabus and even revision? The next thing which you should do is practice tons of mock tests. Mock tests are the best way to ace your learning, it not only helps you to revise the concepts but also gives a true picture of what you have done so far. And the most important thing it offers is that it gives you a clear understanding of the format of the upcoming exams. The last and vital factor that would make you learn is time management which is one of the most important skills that a student must possess. 

• Re-read the Tough Topics

Before jumping on attempting the mock tests, there is one more important step that the students should be doing without fail. You should read all the topics that you find difficult. Everybody has different strengths and weaknesses, and hence the best way is to re-read all the topics that you are weak at and try your best to add these particular topics to your strengths list. The best way that keeps you organized to address your weaker areas is to first, try to understand the topics and then, attempt small quizzes or tests to make sure that you’ve understood them well. Apart from this, there’s a common mistake that all the students tend to make and that is letting the anxiety overpower their mind and as a result, you start panicking even in the last days of exams when all you should be doing is staying in a peaceful mindset.