Question

Identify the characteristics of particles of matter from the given options.

• A. Particles of matter are in continuous motion.
• B. Particles of matter have spaces between them.
• C. Particles of matter have fixed positions.
• D. Particles of matter attract each other.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (D)

Particles of matter attract each other.

Matter is made of discrete particles.
1. The particles can occupy space between different particles as they have space between them. Example: Sugar dissolving in water without volume increase.
2. The particles are in continuous motion. This is the reason why the gas molecules hit the walls of a container and exert pressure. The particles in a solid are also in motion but the extent motion is comparatively too less due to large force of attraction and less interparticle space.
3. The particles attract each other. This is the reason why liquid water has to be heated to overcome the force of attraction between water molecules and to convert them into vapours.