Question

Which of these are not the characteristics of particles of matter?

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

Answer 1

The correct option is C Particles of matter have fixed positions

Matter is made of discrete particles.
1. The particles can accommodate different particles as they have vacant spaces between them. Example: Sugar dissolving in water without volume increase.
2. The particles are in continuous motion. They do not have fixed positions. This is the reason why the gas molecules hit the walls of a container and exert pressure. The particles in a solid are in motion too.
3. The particles attract each other. This is the reason why liquid water has to be heated to break the bonds between water molecules and to convert them into vapour.