The kinetic particle theory of matter is a model that describes the arrangement, movement and
energy of particles in a substance. The model is used to explain the physical properties of solids,
liquids and gases. Particle arrangement and movemen
In terms of relative energy, gas particles have the most energy, solid particles have the least energy
and liquid particles are somewhere in between. (All compared at the same temperature.)
Solids: have a fixed volume and a fixed shape cannot flow, because their particles cannot move from
place to place cannot be compressed, because their particles are close together and have no space to
move into
Liquids: have a fixed volume but no fixed shape can flow and take the shape of their container,
because their particles can move around each other cannot be easily compressed, because their
particles are close together and have no space to move into
Gases: have no fixed shape or volume can flow and completely fill their container, because their
particles can move quickly in all directions can be compressed, because their particles are far apart
and have space to move into