SCIENCE 8 – THIRD QUARTER
Structure and Properties of Matter: Particles of Matter
I. Key Concept
All matter is made up of tiny particles that are constantly moving and attracted to each other.
These particles are too small to be seen, but their behavior explains the different properties of solids,
liquids, and gases.
II. Characteristics of Particles of Matter
1. Matter is made up of particles.
o Everything around us is composed of small particles called atoms and molecules.
o Example: Water is made up of water molecules (H₂O).
2. Particles of matter are very small.
o They cannot be seen even under a microscope.
o A tiny drop of perfume can spread through a whole room because its particles move
freely and mix with air particles.
3. Particles of matter move constantly.
o The motion depends on the state of matter:
Solid – particles vibrate in place.
Liquid – particles move freely but remain close together.
Gas – particles move very fast and far apart.
4. There are spaces between particles.
o The amount of space varies:
Solids – very small spaces.
Liquids – moderate spaces.
Gases – very large spaces.
5. Particles of matter attract each other.
o The strength of attraction depends on the state of matter:
Solids – strong attraction.
Liquids – moderate attraction.
Gases – weak attraction.
III. Evidence of Particles in Motion
Diffusion: The spreading of particles from an area of high concentration to low concentration.
Example: The smell of perfume spreads across the room.
Brownian Motion: Random movement of tiny particles observed under a microscope due to
collisions with invisible gas or liquid particles.
IV. Application / Real-life Examples
Smelling food or perfume from a distance (diffusion in gases)
Sugar dissolving in water (diffusion in liquids)
Evaporation and condensation (changes due to particle motion and attraction)
V. Summary Table
State of Spaces Between
Arrangement of Particles Motion Attraction
Matter Particles
Solid Closely packed Vibrate in place Strong Very small
Close but can move past each Slide over each
Liquid Moderate Moderate
other other
Move freely and
Gas Far apart Weak Very large
fast
🧪 SCIENCE 8 – THIRD QUARTER MODULE
Lesson: Particulate Nature of Matter
I. What is Matter?
Matter is anything that occupies space and has mass.
It exists in different states (solid, liquid, gas), and its behavior can be explained by the
Particle Theory of Matter.
II. Particle Theory of Matter
The Particle Theory explains how matter behaves and what it is made of.
It is based on several key ideas:
1. All matter is made up of tiny particles.
o These particles can be atoms, molecules, or ions.
o Example: Water is made up of H₂O molecules.
2. There are empty spaces between the particles.
o The space between particles determines the state of matter (solid, liquid, or gas).
3. Particles of matter are constantly moving.
o The speed of motion depends on the temperature and the state of matter.
o When temperature increases, particle motion becomes faster.
4. Particles attract each other.
o The strength of attraction differs among solids, liquids, and gases.
o This explains why solids hold their shape while gases spread out.
5. The motion of particles explains changes of state.
o Melting: solid → liquid (particles gain energy and move faster)
o Evaporation: liquid → gas
o Condensation: gas → liquid
o Freezing: liquid → solid
o Sublimation: solid → gas (e.g., mothballs)
o Deposition: gas → solid (e.g., frost)
III. Kinetic Molecular Theory (KMT)
The Kinetic Molecular Theory expands on the particle theory by explaining that:
Particles of matter are in constant random motion.
The kinetic energy (energy of motion) of the particles increases as temperature increases.
The collisions between particles and container walls cause gas pressure.
IV. Behavior of Particles in Different States
Property Solid Liquid Gas
Arrangement Tightly packed Close together but can move Far apart
Movement Vibrate in place Slide past each other Move freely and rapidly
Shape Fixed Takes shape of container No fixed shape
Volume Fixed Fixed Not fixed
Compressibility Almost none Slight High
Attractive Force Very strong Moderate Very weak
V. Evidence that Matter is Made of Particles
1. Diffusion
o The process by which particles spread out and mix without stirring.
o Example: Scent of a perfume spreading in air.
2. Brownian Motion
o Random movement of particles suspended in a liquid or gas.
o Example: Dust particles moving randomly in sunlight.
3. Compression of Gases
o Gases can be compressed because there are large spaces between their particles.
4. Dissolving
o When sugar or salt dissolves in water, the particles mix with water molecules.
VI. Factors Affecting Particle Motion
1. Temperature
o Higher temperature → faster motion of particles.
o Example: Sugar dissolves faster in hot water than in cold water.
2. Pressure
o Increasing pressure can bring gas particles closer together.
3. Concentration
o The higher the concentration, the faster diffusion happens.
VII. Importance of Understanding Particles of Matter
Helps explain physical and chemical changes in materials.
Basis for understanding states of matter and changes of state.
Useful in daily life and industries, such as cooking, refrigeration, and perfume-making.
VIII. Quick Recap
🔹 All matter is made of tiny moving particles.
🔹 The arrangement, movement, and forces between these particles determine the state of matter.
🔹 Increasing heat or pressure can cause changes in state.
🔹 Observable phenomena like diffusion, evaporation, and compression support the particle
model of matter.
A. Multiple Choice
Choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. All matter is made up of tiny __________.
a. waves
b. particles
c. forces
d. sounds
2. Which of the following has particles that are tightly packed and only vibrate in place?
a. Solid
b. Liquid
c. Gas
d. Plasma
3. What happens to the motion of particles when temperature increases?
a. They move slower.
b. They move faster.
c. They stop moving.
d. They remain the same.
4. The process by which the scent of perfume spreads in the air is called __________.
a. condensation
b. evaporation
c. diffusion
d. sublimation
5. Which state of matter has the weakest force of attraction between particles?
a. Solid
b. Liquid
c. Gas
d. Plasma
6. The random motion of tiny dust particles seen in a beam of light is evidence of __________.
a. Brownian motion
b. Diffusion
c. Condensation
d. Sublimation
7. What explains that particles of matter are constantly moving and have energy?
a. Atomic Theory
b. Cell Theory
c. Kinetic Molecular Theory
d. Evolution Theory
8. When a solid changes directly to a gas, the process is called __________.
a. deposition
b. sublimation
c. condensation
d. melting
B. Identification
Write the correct word that completes each statement.
1. __________ is anything that has mass and occupies space.
2. The spaces between particles are very small in a __________.
3. The spreading out of particles from high to low concentration is called __________.
4. The random movement of particles suspended in a fluid is called __________.
5. The process when water vapor turns into liquid water is called __________.
C. True or False
Write “True” if the statement is correct and “False” if it is not.
1. Particles in gases are closely packed and cannot move.
2. Matter is made up of small, invisible particles.
3. Increasing temperature slows down the movement of particles.
4. Particles of solids have strong attractive forces between them.
5. The spaces between gas particles are very large.
