The kinetic theory (sometimes referred to as the kinetic particle theory) of matter is used to explain many of the properties of solids, liquids and gases. As you might imagine from the name of this theory, it is all about movement of particles. These particles are atoms and molecules, depending on the substance. The kinetic theory links the movements of particles to heat energy - the higher the temperature, the faster the movement. It also takes into account the forces between the particles. A (somewhat) reasonable assumption is that all of the particles are identical and that any... Show more The kinetic theory (sometimes referred to as the kinetic particle theory) of matter is used to explain many of the properties of solids, liquids and gases. As you might imagine from the name of this theory, it is all about movement of particles. These particles are atoms and molecules, depending on the substance. The kinetic theory links the movements of particles to heat energy - the higher the temperature, the faster the movement. It also takes into account the forces between the particles. A (somewhat) reasonable assumption is that all of the particles are identical and that any collisions between particles or the particles and the wall of a container are elastic. You also need to be able to recognise simple diagrams to model the difference between solids, liquids and gases. Kinetic theory is really a statistical theory that describes what happens to large numbers of particles as the temperature changes. It also helps you to understand a little more about temperature which is really just a measure of the energy in a sample of particles. The lower the temperature, the lower the energy of the particles, so they move more slowly. The particles of solids, liquids and gases have different amounts of energy. In solids, the particle motions are limited to vibrations as the particles have the least energy. In liquids and gases, the particles can exchange places. The forces between the particles of a solid are greater than those between the particles of a liquid and in a gas, the forces between the particles are considered as being zero. You will need to be able to apply the kinetic theory to describe and explain various phenomena in all three sciences. In physics, you are most likely to need to be able to explain that the transfer of energy by conduction, convection, evaporation and condensation involves particles, and how this transfer takes place. This could include the movement of the free electrons in a metal as well as the closeness of the metal atoms in the structure. Also, you should be able to use the idea that as particles move apart when fluids are heated, the fluid becomes less dense and then apply it to the formation of convection currents. Remember that the word fluid could mean either a gas or a liquid - many students use the words fluid and liquid to mean the same thing. It is possible that you may also be challenged to explain why evaporation has a cooling effect. Related Test: GCSE Physics Practice Test: Energy - Infrared or Thermal (Heat) Radiation Show less
The kinetic theory (sometimes referred to as the kinetic particle theory) of matter is used to explain many of the properties of solids, liquids and gases. As you might imagine from the name of this theory, it is all about movement of particles. These particles are atoms and molecules, depending on the substance. The kinetic theory links the movements of particles to heat energy - the higher the temperature, the faster the movement. It also takes into account the forces between the particles.
A (somewhat) reasonable assumption is that all of the particles are identical and that any collisions between particles or the particles and the wall of a container are elastic.
You also need to be able to recognise simple diagrams to model the difference between solids, liquids and gases.
Kinetic theory is really a statistical theory that describes what happens to large numbers of particles as the temperature changes. It also helps you to understand a little more about temperature which is really just a measure of the energy in a sample of particles. The lower the temperature, the lower the energy of the particles, so they move more slowly. The particles of solids, liquids and gases have different amounts of energy. In solids, the particle motions are limited to vibrations as the particles have the least energy. In liquids and gases, the particles can exchange places. The forces between the particles of a solid are greater than those between the particles of a liquid and in a gas, the forces between the particles are considered as being zero.
You will need to be able to apply the kinetic theory to describe and explain various phenomena in all three sciences. In physics, you are most likely to need to be able to explain that the transfer of energy by conduction, convection, evaporation and condensation involves particles, and how this transfer takes place. This could include the movement of the free electrons in a metal as well as the closeness of the metal atoms in the structure. Also, you should be able to use the idea that as particles move apart when fluids are heated, the fluid becomes less dense and then apply it to the formation of convection currents. Remember that the word fluid could mean either a gas or a liquid - many students use the words fluid and liquid to mean the same thing. It is possible that you may also be challenged to explain why evaporation has a cooling effect.
Related Test:
GCSE Physics Practice Test: Energy - Infrared or Thermal (Heat) Radiation
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