What is Kinetic Theory of Matter?

Kinetic Energy of Matter determines whether the matter is in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state. The temperature of that particular matter is a measurement of the kinetic energy of the particles. So, we can conclude that a change in the state of matter may occur due to the temperature change. 

Energy possessed by a body due to its motion is known as kinetic energy. Kinetic theory of matter states that “Matter is made up of those substances or particles which are constantly moving.” The energy level of the particles depends upon the temperature possessed by the matter. This helps us to determine whether that matter is in a solid, liquid, or gas state. The kinetic theory of matter also gives us a description of the microscopic properties of atoms. 

The main purpose of this theory is to explain the existence of matter in various phases and they change from one state to another. Kinetic theory explains that:

• At the molecular level, the interpretation of pressure and temperature can be explained.
• It follows Avogadro’s theory and gas laws.
• It describes the specific heat capacity of the different gases correctly.

Kinetic molecular theory of matter describes the microscopic properties of atoms (or molecules) and their interactions, which rise to macroscopic features that may be observed (such as pressure, volume, temperature). The idea can be used to explain why matter exists in different phases (solid, liquid, and gas), as well as how matter can shift from one phase to another.

According to the kinetic molecular theory of matter,

1. The particles that makeup matter are continually moving.
2. Every particle has energy, however the amount of energy changes based on the temperature of the matter sample. The state of the substance is then determined by whether it is solid, liquid, or gaseous. Molecules in the solid-state have the least amount of energy, while gaseous particles have the most.
3. The average kinetic energy of the particles is measured by the temperature of a substance.
4. When the energy of the particles is modified, the phase of the particles may change.
5. There are spaces between matter particles. As a sample of matter travels from the solid to the liquid and gas phases, the average amount of vacant space between molecules increases.
6. Attractive forces exist between atoms/molecules, and when the particles draw closer together, these forces become stronger. Intermolecular forces are the term for these attractive forces.

Kinetic Theory of Matter states that “All matter is made up of microscopic particles in random motion with space between them.” All the objects around us are called matter and there are various phases of matter. The most common phase of the matter is, Solid, Liquid, and Gas. And energy of the particle determines the phases of the particle. Apart from these three phases, there are two other phases of the matter that include, Plasma and Bose-Einstein Condensate.

In this article, we will learn about the Four Phases of Matter, Kinetic Theory of Matter, Sample Questions on the Kinetic Theory of Matter, and others in detail.