Is Matter Continuous or Particulate?
If you look at a piece of chalk, it looks like one continuous block. But if you grind it, it becomes powder. If you view that powder under a microscope, you see even smaller grains.
- Conclusion: Matter is not a single continuous block; it is made up of a large number of extremely small constituent particles.
Evidence of Interparticle Space
Activity: Dissolving Sugar in Water
- Take a glass of water and mark the level.
- Dissolve two teaspoons of sugar.
- Observation: The water tastes sweet, but the water level does not increase significantly.
Why? Where did the sugar go? The tiny sugar particles separated and occupied the empty spaces available between the water particles.
- This proves that there are gaps between particles of matter, known as Interparticle Spaces.
What holds them together?
Particles are held together by Interparticle Attractions. The strength of this force decides the state of matter (Solid, Liquid, or Gas).