CIE IGCSE Chemistry

Revision Notes

1.1.1 Kinetic Theory

Test Yourself

Solids, Liquids & Gases

Solids

  • Solids have a fixed volume and shape and they have a high density.
  • The atoms vibrate in position but can’t change location
  • The particles are packed very closely together in a fixed and regular pattern

Liquids

  • Liquids also have a fixed volume but adopt the shape of the container
  • They are generally less dense than solids (an exception is water), but much denser than gases
  • The particles move and slide past each other which is why liquids adopt the shape of the container and also why they are able to flow freely

Gases 

  • Gases do not have a fixed volume, and, like liquids, take up the shape of the container
  • Gases have a very low density
  • Since there is a lot of space between the particles, gases can be compressed into a much smaller volume
  • The particles are far apart and move randomly and quickly (around 500 m/s) in all directions
  • They collide with each other and with the sides of the container (this is how pressure is created inside a can of gas)

Summary of the Properties of Solids, Liquids and Gases

3.1.2 Solids Liquids Gases Table

Exam Tip

You can explain the differences in the physical properties of solids, liquids and gases by referring to the arrangement and motion of particles. This is called the kinetic theory of matter.

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