States of Matter

Section 1: Principles of Chemistry

States of Matter

Solid - particles are tightly packed with a regular formation

Liquid - mainly touching, gaps have appeared and have an irregular formation

Gas - much further apart and with little or no forces of attraction at all

Change of State

• Solid to Liquid = Melting; Liquid to Solid = Freezing
• Liquid to Gas = Boiling/Evaporation; Gas to Liquid = Condensation

Diffusion

Gases: Lighter particles diffuse faster than heavier ones (so they're faster)
Experiment:
Take a tube and place cotton wool in either ends. One must be soaked in ammonia solution and the other in hydrochloric acid. HCl particles are heavier so move slower. A white ring of ammonium chloride will form closer to the HCl's side.

Liquids: Diffusion in liquids is slower than in solids
Experiment:
Potassium permanganate is a strong coloured solution. By placing a drop in the water diffusion can be seen.