PARTICULATE NATURE OF MATTER (WEEK ONE)

WEEK ONE : PHYSICS

TOPIC : PARTICULATE NATURE OF MATTER

Matter is anything that has mass and can occupy space. Ancient Greek philosophers and scientists postulated that all matter are composed of very minute (tiny) particles called atoms.

The kinetic theory of matter also known as the atomic theory of matter assumes that all matter consists of tiny particles called atoms which are always in motion. The fact that these particles are always in motion suggest that they have kinetic energy. The kind of motion exhibited by the particles depends on the temperature of the matter and some other factors.

The particulate nature of matter is based on the following evidence:

1.      Brownian motion

2.      Diffusion

3.      Osmosis

BROWNIAN MOTION

In 1827, Robert Brown, a botanist used a microscope to observe pollen grains suspended in water. He observed that the pollen grains were constantly moving in an irregular manner in all directions even though the water appeared to be perfectly still. The haphazard motion of the pollen grains was as a result of collisions between the water molecules and the pollen grains. The water molecules themselves were in constant rapid motion although they were too small to be seen under the microscope. Brownian motion is defined as the rapid, constant and irregular motion of tiny particles. Brownian motion can be observed experimentally in the smoke cell experiment.

DIFFUSION

Diffusion is a process ...............

VIDEO LESSON

Part One

Part Two

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