Name: Concepts of Matter
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 3 min 29 s
Description: All the big things we see are made up of small things. All things around us are matter. What is this matter made up of? Let us watch this video to learn abou...

Question

What is matter composed of? With the help of a neat diagram, explain the arrangement of particles in the three states of matter.

Accepted Answer

All matter is composed of tiny particles called atoms and molecules. Atoms are the building blocks of matter. They are the smallest particles of an element (a pure substance) that can be present in matter. They combine to form molecules. Molecules are the smallest particles that can exist independently in nature.

Matter exists in three different states namely, solid, liquid and gas based on the inter-particle space and inter-particle force. The arrangement of particles in the three states of matter can be shown by the following diagrams:

The space between the molecules of the matter is called intermolecular space. Intermolecular spaces are minimum in solids, more in liquids and the most in gases. In solids, the intermolecular force between the particles is high, so the particles are closely packed with minimum intermolecular space. Hence, solids have a definite shape and a rigid structure.

In gases the intermolecular force between the particles is minimum, so the intermolecular space is maximum. Hence, gases do not have any fixed shape or volume.

Both liquids and gases have less intermolecular forces, but in a liquid, the particles are still in close contact compared to gases, so liquids have a definite volume. Due to the weak intermolecular forces, liquid particles can move freely and have no definite shape. So, a liquid takes the shape of the container where it is poured.

What is matter composed of? With the help of a neat diagram, explain the arrangement of particles in the three states of matter.

Important Questions on Matter and its Composition

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