The Particle Model
Science · Matter & Materials · conceptual
Use the particle model to explain the properties of solids, liquids, and gases — including differences in arrangement, movement, and spacing — and apply the model to explain density, compressibility, and the anomalous expansion of water
What mastery looks like
- Draws particle diagrams for solids, liquids, and gases showing correct arrangement and spacing
- Explains why gases are compressible but liquids and solids are not
- Explains why ice floats on water using the anomalous expansion of water
- Uses particle spacing to explain why gases are much less dense than solids and liquids
Check your understanding
If The Particle Model was asked why you can squash a balloon but not a water bottle full of liquid, could they explain using the idea of particles what's different about gases and liquids?