Drawing Particle Diagrams
Science · Matter & Materials · representational
Draw and interpret particle diagrams — dot representations showing the arrangement, spacing, and movement of particles in solids (close, regular, vibrating in place), liquids (close, random, flowing past each other), and gases (widely spaced, moving rapidly in all directions) — and use these diagrams to explain observable properties such as fixed shape, fixed volume, and compressibility
What mastery looks like
- Draw labelled particle diagrams for solids, liquids, and gases showing the correct arrangement and spacing of particles
- Use their particle diagram to explain why solids keep their shape but liquids flow
- Sketch what happens to particles during a change of state (e.g. melting) and explain the energy changes involved
Check your understanding
If Drawing Particle Diagrams's science teacher draws a diagram with dots packed tightly in rows versus dots spread far apart and moving around, can Drawing Particle Diagrams tell you which represents a solid and which a gas — and explain why, using the particles?
Prerequisites
None — this is a foundational concept.