CSUN Matter States and Molecular Behavior Discussion

Kinetic energy is energy that an object has because of its motion. The Kinetic Molecular Theory explains the forces between molecules and the energy that they possess. This theory is based on three theories about matter:

1. Matter is composed of small particles (atoms, molecules, and ions).

2. The space the molecules occupy (volume) depends on the space between the molecules and not the space the molecules occupy themselves.

3.The molecules are in constant motion. This motion is different for each of the three states of matter.

Briefly explain how molecules are behaving in the different states of matter, solid, liquid, and gas. Give an example of matter in each state.