Particle Theory & its Limitations (AQA GCSE Chemistry): Flashcards

📚Flashcards
Particle Theory & its Limitations
Sign up to keep revising.Create a free account to study more flashcards and track your progress.

Practise the cards

13 cards from this deck

Show

Particle theory definition

Model explaining properties & behaviours of substances in all three states

Basic principle of particle theory

All matter is made up of tiny particles constantly moving

Particle arrangement in solids

Closely packed in regular pattern, vibrate in fixed positions

Shape and volume of solids

Fixed shape and fixed volume

Particle arrangement in liquids

Close together but arranged randomly, can move around

Shape and volume of liquids

Take shape of container, fixed volume

Particle arrangement in gases

Far apart and move freely in all directions

Shape and volume of gases

No fixed shape or volume, expand to fill container

Limitation: particle shape assumption

Assumes all particles are solid spheres, but they have different shapes

Limitation: forces between particles

Doesn't show forces like van der Waals or ionic bonds

Limitation: particle type differentiation

Doesn't distinguish atoms, ions, and molecules

Limitation: particle size assumption

Assumes all same size, but particles vary greatly

Why particle theory has limitations

It's a simplified model, doesn't capture all complexities

Join 100,000+ GCSE students studying Flashcards with us.

Select your subjects, and get access to A+ resources today.