answersLogoWhite

0

What makes up all the matter around us? If we were able to break

up a piece of steel into smaller and smaller parts, what would we get

at the end? Would we get the same thing if we broke up a piece of

plastic? Could we break up a droplet of water? Ice, water and steam

are all the same chemical substance, yet they behave very differently.

How can we explain this?

Models are used by scientists because they help to explain many

observations. Scientists have developed a way of thinking about

matter that explains its nature and behaviour. They believe that all

matter is made up of tiny

particles, called atoms. These are so small

that they can only be seen with powerful microscopes. If you could

see deep inside solids, liquids and gases, how do you think the

particles that make them up might be arranged?

The theory that we have to explain the properties of solids,

liquids and gases is called the

particle model of matter.

Solids, like ice, have constant shape because particles of solid

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?