Which of the answer choices correctly summarizes the kinetic theory of matter?
• Particles of matter continuously move or vibrate within the empty spaces that separate them from one another.
• Particles of matter increase or decrease in size when acted upon by an outside force.
• Particles of matter increase or decrease in size when they absorb or release enough energy to change states.
• Particles of matter periodically move or vibrate within empty spaces when they absorb or release enough energy states.
• Particles of matter continuously move or vibrate within the empty spaces that separate them from one another.
The correct answer choice that summarizes the kinetic theory of matter is:
• Particles of matter continuously move or vibrate within the empty spaces that separate them from one another.
The correct answer choice that summarizes the kinetic theory of matter is: "Particles of matter continuously move or vibrate within the empty spaces that separate them from one another."
To understand the kinetic theory of matter, we need to break it down into its key concepts:
1. Particles of matter: Matter is made up of tiny particles, such as atoms or molecules.
2. Continuous movement or vibration: These particles are in constant motion. They can either move or vibrate, depending on the state of matter (solid, liquid, or gas).
3. Empty spaces: There are spaces between the particles, which means they are not packed tightly together.
By combining these concepts, the kinetic theory of matter states that particles of matter are always in motion, continuously moving or vibrating within the empty spaces that separate them from each other.
Let's analyze the other answer choices to see why they are incorrect:
- "Particles of matter increase or decrease in size when acted upon by an outside force." This answer choice is not related to the kinetic theory of matter. It describes how matter might change in size when an external force is applied, but it doesn't address the continuous movement or vibration of particles.
- "Particles of matter increase or decrease in size when they absorb or release enough energy to change states." This answer choice describes how particles of matter can change their state (e.g., from solid to liquid or gas) when they absorb or release energy. However, it doesn't mention the continuous movement or vibration within matter.
- "Particles of matter periodically move or vibrate within empty spaces when they absorb or release enough energy states." This answer choice combines some aspects of the kinetic theory, such as the periodic movement or vibration and the absorption or release of energy to change states. However, it lacks the recognition that the movement is continuous and doesn't clarify that the particles move within the empty spaces that separate them.
Therefore, the answer choice that correctly summarizes the kinetic theory of matter is: "Particles of matter continuously move or vibrate within the empty spaces that separate them from one another."