What are the Characteristics of Particles of Matter?
Before we could understand the particles of matter, it is important to understand what is meant by matter. Matter can be defined as something that has mass, occupies space, and can be perceived by our senses. In simple words, we can say that the things which we see around us and can feel matter. Matter exists in various states. Each of these states of matter has its own peculiarity that results from the nature of the particles it is made up of, and the interaction between them. These particles are atoms and molecules. Atoms are the units of matter and can exhibit independent existence. Each atom is formed of subatomic particles called neutrons, protons, and electrons that become responsible for the nature of the atoms. When atoms combine, they form molecules that do exist independently.
Matter in Our Surroundings
Based on physical properties, the matter is categorised as solids, liquids and gases. Based on chemical properties, it's classified as elements, compounds, and mixtures. If we observe our surroundings, most matter exists as a mixture of two or more pure components. Our surroundings are either man-made or geographical; the matter provided by nature, like land, mountains, plains, etc. and man-made surroundings are created by man, which alters social and economic surroundings.
All living, non-living things are called matter, even gases like hydrogen and oxygen, because they have mass and occupy space. The matter in our surroundings, though being huge buildings, electrons around a nucleus or be it the DNA of our cells, the land we are standing on, or the air we breathe, all is matter.
There are particles in a matter which possess kinetic energy, which increases with the rise in temperature. The space between particles and kinetic energy is minimal in solids, average in liquids and maximum in gases. The three forms of matter in our surroundings are interconvertible by means of rising and falling in temperature. For example, ice can be converted to water and back again by increasing or decreasing the temperature.
Nature of Matter
Depending upon the physical nature, the matter is categorised into the following three forms:
1. Solids: In solids, particles are tightly packed with very strong intermolecular forces and fixed strongly in their position so much that only vibratory motion is possible. They possess a definite shape and volume. Examples are wood, iron, etc.
2. Liquids: The intermolecular forces are weak to allow movement of particles and are held together in a way that allows them more freedom of movement than solids. They have definite volumes but take the shape of the container they are poured into. Examples are water, milk, etc.
3. Gases: These have a weak intermolecular force, and the molecules move very freely; the distance between them is pretty large too. They neither have a fixed shape nor a volume, thus, occupying the container completely in which they are placed. Examples are hydrogen, methane, etc.
The nature of the above-stated three states of matter can be interchanged by applying pressure and a change in temperature. If matter consists of more than one kind of particle, it's known as a mixture, and if a single type of particle is present throughout, it's a pure substance.
Subatomic Particles
Atoms, that are the units of matter are made up of particles known as electron, protons, and neutrons. Neutrons are neutral particles with no charge on them, protons are positively charged, and electrons are negatively charged. Neutrons and protons together form the nucleus of atom whereas the electrons spin around this nucleus in their respective orbitals. The number and arrangements of these subatomic particles play a crucial role in the determination of the properties and stability of the atom.
Interesting Facts
Our early Indian philosophers classified matter in the form of five basic elements - The Panch Tatva, that is, air, earth, fire, sky and water.
One gram of matter has billions of small particles called atoms.
Key Features
Anything which occupies space has mass is called matter.
The particles of matter are very tiny and have space between them.
The three forms of matter in our surroundings are interconvertible by means of rising and falling in temperature.
A large group of atoms or molecules forms the bulk matter of everyday life.
FAQs on Matter in Our Surroundings: A Detailed Summary
1. Explain the theory of matter.
A philosopher named Democritus in Greece put forward a theory about 2000 years ago that matter is made up of tiny particles too tiny to be observed. According to him, if you keep cutting the object to its tiniest possible particle, you will observe its building blocks which are atoms. The kinetic theory of matter is also known as the atomic theory of matter. All matter consists of small particles known as atoms which are always in motion.
2. Define sublimation.
The conversion of a substance from its solid state to a gaseous state omitting the liquid phase is known as sublimation. For example, the vaporisation of dry ice at normal temperature. Freeze drying food to preserve it involves sublimation of water to a frozen state under a high vacuum. This conversion is an endothermic transition and occurs at a temperature and pressure below the triple point of that substance. If a solid possesses water vapour at a particular temperature, it sublimes into the air directly.
3. Explain the process of diffusion.
Diffusion is a process which results in the equalisation of substance concentration distribution that occurs from the migration of the substance's elements. Molecular diffusion occurs in gases, liquids, and gases, resulting in the thermal motion of molecules; it's at a maximum rate in gases.
In Brownian diffusion, gas or liquid particles are placed at rest, and the migration is random movement independent of any chemical properties showing a zig-zag trajectory. Turbulent diffusion happens when there is a mass transfer on a macro level, the intensity of turbulent transfer is higher within the system due to random and time-dependent movements.