GENERAL CHEMISTRY 2

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Date: _____________________________ Score: ______________

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

KINETIC MOLECULAR MODEL OF SOLIDS AND LIQUIDS

Background Information for the Learners (BIL)

In the previous lessons in General Chemistry 1, you have learned about

the kinetic molecular model of gases. This activity sheet will mainly focus on
the kinetic molecular model of solids and liquids.

Matter can exist in three main different states: namely, solid, liquid, and
gas. The most common example of which is water. You only have to think about
water to appreciate how different the
three states of matter are. Steam
bathing, drinking, and ice skating are all
done in contact with water in its various
forms. But how do these states of matter
differ with each other? Understanding the
kinetic molecular model of the three
states will answer this question.

What is Kinetic Molecular Theory?

The kinetic-molecular theory is a theory that explains the states of matter

and is based on the idea that matter is composed of tiny particles that are
always in motion. The theory helps explain observable properties and behaviors
of solids, liquids, and gases. An application of the theory is that it helps to
explain why matter exists in different phases (solid, liquid, and gas) and how
matter can change from one phase to another.

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 The state of a substance depends on the balance between the kinetic
energy of the individual particles (molecules or atoms) and the intermolecular
forces. The kinetic energy keeps the molecules apart and moving around, and
is a function of the temperature of the substance. The intermolecular forces are
attractive forces that try to draw the particles together.

Postulates of Kinetic Molecular Theory

The Kinetic Molecular Theory (KMT) is based on a series of postulates. Some

of the postulates of KMT are as follows:

1. Matter is made of particles that are constantly in motion. This energy in

motion is called kinetic energy.
2. The amount of kinetic energy in a substance is related to its temperature.
Increased temperature means greater speed.
3. There is space between particles. The amount of space in between
particles is related to the substance's state of matter.
4. Phase changes happen when the temperature of the substance changes
sufficiently.
5. There are attractive forces in between particles called intermolecular
forces. The strength of these forces increase as particles get closer
together.

KMT of Liquids and Solids

The principal difference between the condensed states (liquids and

solids) and the gaseous state is the distance between molecules. In a liquid,
the molecules are so close together that there is very little empty space. Thus,
liquids are much more difficult to compress than gases, and they are also much
denser under normal conditions. Molecules in a liquid are held together by one
or more types of attractive forces. A liquid also has a definite volume, because
molecules in a liquid do not break away from the attractive forces. The
molecules can, however, move past one another freely, and so a liquid can
flow, can be poured, and assumes the shape of its container.

In a solid, molecules are held rigidly in position with virtually no freedom

of motion, so they only vibrate only about fixed positions. There is even less

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empty space in a solid than in a liquid because their particles are tightly packed.
Thus, solids are almost incompressible and possess definite shape and
volume. This is due to stronger intermolecular force of attraction compared to
liquids.

Change in
phase: The
figure shows
the orientation
of particles in
each state and
the direction of
phase change
due to addition
https://www.siyavula.com/read/science/grade-8/particle-model-of-matter/06- and removal of
particle-model-of-matter?id=toc-id-4
kinetic energy.

Learning Competency:

Use the kinetic molecular model to explain properties of liquids and solids
(STEM_GC11IMFIIIa-c-99)

Activity 1: Color Drop

Estimated time frame: 5 minutes

Materials:
• a glass of hot water
• a glass of cold water
• Liquid food color
Note: You can dissolve a pinch of powdered food color, if you don’t have a
liquid food color. You can use liquid detergent or fabric conditioner if the food
color is not available.

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Procedure:
1. Label the two glasses hot and cold with respect to their temperature to avoid
confusion.
2. Put a equal drops of food color into the two glasses at the same time. Do not
stir. Observe what happens and compare.

Safety Precaution: Be careful in handling hot water. Always ask the

assistance of your parents if necessary.

Illustration of the experiment:

COLD HOT

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwkw_Z6luIg

Questions:
1. What happens after dropping the food color into the water? Why did this
happen?
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2. How can you compare the rate of diffusion in the two glasses? What is the
reason for this difference?
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3. How can you relate the kinetic molecular theory with the experiment?
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 4. What do you think will happen if the substances does not follow kinetic
molecular theory?
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Activity 2: What’s the Matter?

Directions: Based on the picture below, identify what state of matter is

being represented. Write a brief description based on the arrangement of
their particles and give three examples for each state.

State: ________ State: ________ State: ________

Arrangement of Arrangement of Arrangement of

Particles: Particles: Particles:
_______________ _______________ _______________
_______________ _______________ _______________
_______________ _______________ _______________

Examples: Examples: Examples:

• ____________ • ____________ • ____________

• ____________ • ____________ • ____________
• ____________ • ____________ • ____________

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Activity 3: Describe Me

Directions: Compare the properties of solids and liquids by completing the table
based on their kinetic molecular model.

Characteristic Solid Liquid

Intermolecular force
Shape
Volume
Density
Compressibility
Arrangement of
particles
Motion of molecules
Fluidity

ACTIVITY 4: Be a Science Detective!

Directions: Investigate and analyze the given situation. Provide an explanation for the
phenomenon.
Based on the kinetic molecular model, solids usually have higher densities
compared to liquids. However, ice, a solid form of H2O floats on liquid water which
means ice is less dense than water. What do you think is the reason for this
phenomenon? What is the biological significance of this concept?
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