List three characteristics of particles of matter. Describe one example for each characteristic to illustrate it.

The characteristics of particles of matter:

The particles of matter have spaces between them.

• Take 100ml. of water in a beaker. Mark the level of water.

• Dissolve 50gm. of sugar into the water. Stir it with a glass rod.

• Check the level. Now add 50gm more sugar into it and dissolve.

• The water level in the beaker remains same even after adding more sugar. The volume of water doesn’t increase.

• When sugar crystals dissolve in water, it breaks up into fine particles which then fill up the space between the particles of water in the beaker. Hence there is no rise in the level of water and the volume of water in the beaker remains same.

This experiment proves that the particles of have spaces between them.

Particles of matter are constantly moving.

When we light an incense stick in a room, the particles of gases produced move rapidly and randomly in all directions and mix with the particles of air and reach every corner of the room. This proves that particles of matter are constantly moving.

Particles of matter attract each other.

There is some force of attraction between the particles of matter that holds them together. This force of attraction is different for different particles.

When we beat a chalk, it will break easily, because the force of attraction between the particles of chalk is less.

But if we beat an iron nail with a hammer, it will not break. Even if we apply large force with it may only change its shape. Because the force of attraction between the particles of iron is very strong.