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Question

Consider the following statements:

1. Particles of matter intermix on their own.

2. Particles of matter have force acting between them.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2019 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (03-Feb-2019)
The correct answer is

Both 1 and 2

Properties of Particles of Matter Explained

Matter is made up of tiny particles. These particles have several key characteristics that determine the properties and behavior of matter in its different states (solid, liquid, and gas). Understanding these characteristics is fundamental to comprehending the world around us. Let's analyze the given statements about these particles.

Analysis of Statement 1: Particles of Matter Intermix on Their Own

Statement 1 says that particles of matter intermix on their own. This phenomenon is known as diffusion. Particles of matter are in constant, random motion, especially in the liquid and gaseous states. Due to this kinetic energy, particles from one substance can move into the spaces between particles of another substance and mix with them spontaneously.

  • In gases, particles move very fast and have large spaces between them, leading to rapid diffusion. Think of the smell of perfume spreading across a room.
  • In liquids, particles are closer together than in gases and move less freely, so diffusion is slower but still occurs. Adding a drop of ink to water and watching it spread is an example.
  • Even in solids, diffusion can occur, though it is very slow because particles are held in fixed positions and vibrate around their mean positions.

The spontaneous mixing of particles of different types of matter on their own is a direct result of the motion of the particles. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.

Analysis of Statement 2: Particles of Matter Have Force Acting Between Them

Statement 2 claims that particles of matter have force acting between them. These are known as interparticle forces or intermolecular forces. These forces are attractive forces that hold the particles together. The strength of these forces varies depending on the type of substance and its state.

  • In solids, the interparticle forces are very strong, which keeps the particles tightly packed and in fixed positions, giving solids a definite shape and volume.
  • In liquids, the interparticle forces are weaker than in solids, allowing particles to move past each other, giving liquids a definite volume but no definite shape.
  • In gases, the interparticle forces are very weak, almost negligible under normal conditions, allowing particles to move freely and occupy the entire available space, giving gases no definite shape or volume.

The existence of these forces explains why matter stays together and why different states of matter have different properties. Without these attractive forces, matter would not cohere. Therefore, statement 2 is correct.

Conclusion on the Statements

Based on the analysis of both statements regarding the properties of particles of matter:

  • Statement 1: Particles of matter intermix on their own (diffusion). This is correct.
  • Statement 2: Particles of matter have force acting between them (interparticle forces). This is correct.

Since both statements accurately describe fundamental characteristics of the particles that make up matter, both statements are correct.

Property Description Related Statement
Intermixing (Diffusion) Particles move and mix spontaneously due to their kinetic energy. Statement 1
Interparticle Forces Attractive forces exist between particles, holding them together. Statement 2

Revision Table: Key Concepts of Particles of Matter

Concept Explanation
Nature of Particles Matter is made up of tiny particles.
Particle Motion Particles are constantly moving (possess kinetic energy). Motion is highest in gases, lowest in solids.
Interparticle Space There are spaces between the particles. Spaces are largest in gases, smallest in solids.
Interparticle Forces Particles attract each other. Forces are strongest in solids, weakest in gases.

Additional Information: States of Matter and Particle Properties

The state of matter (solid, liquid, gas) is largely determined by the balance between the kinetic energy of the particles (which makes them move) and the strength of the interparticle forces (which tries to hold them together).

  • Solids: Low kinetic energy, very strong interparticle forces. Particles vibrate but are held in fixed positions.
  • Liquids: Medium kinetic energy, moderate interparticle forces. Particles can move past each other.
  • Gases: High kinetic energy, very weak interparticle forces. Particles move freely and randomly with large spaces between them.

These properties explain why solids have fixed shapes, liquids take the shape of their container, and gases fill the entire volume of the container. Diffusion is fastest in gases because of high kinetic energy and large interparticle spaces. Interparticle forces are crucial for the cohesion and structure of matter.

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