Thermodynamics: Kinetic Theory of Matter
                     THERMODYNAMICS:  
K INET IC  THEORY OF  
MATTER
INTRODUCTION
The kinetic theory of matter states that all matter 
is made of small particles that are in random 
motion and that have space between them. This 
means that no matter what phase matter is in, it is 
made of separate, moving particles.
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ABOUT THE 
THEORY
This theory sounds pretty simple, but it actually explains a 
lot about the physical properties of matter and how it 
behaves. You might be surprised to learn that the particles 
of a solid are actually moving, just not enough for you to 
see. This type of vibrational movement is why a solid 
won't change shape no matter what kind of container you 
put it in.
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THE FOUR 
PHASES OF  
MATTER
Solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas: these words should be 
quite familiar to you because they are the four phases of 
matter, which are simply the different forms matter can 
take on. What's neat is that many substances can exist as 
more than one phase. Take water, for example: water can 
exist as a solid (ice), a liquid (liquid water), and a gas 
(water vapor).
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STATE OF  
CHANGE IN  
MATTER
Gases, liquids, and solids keep on changing their 
state when the heat is added or reduced. Solids 
have their particles in a regular compact, closely 
attracted to one another as they keep vibrating in 
fixed positions.
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L IQUID
Liquids contain particles that have a relative 
distance between them but irregularly arranged. 
They also have a faster movement while sliding 
over each other. The liquids contain more energy 
gained from the heat and have the ability to flow. 
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GAS
Gases, on the other hand, contain particles that are 
distanced and in the random and rapid movement 
to occupy any unfilled space (Burshstein, 2006). 
When gas is placed in a container, it bombards the 
walls to create pressure.
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THE ADDIT ION 
OF  HEAT
The addition of heat adds more energy to the matter, 
making it convert from solid to liquid and gas, respectively. 
Conversely, reducing heat converts matter from gas to 
liquid and then to solid. 
Molecular motion is, therefore, dependent upon the rise or 
reduction of heat to define the physical properties of matter. 
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AT ABSOLUTE 
ZERO
At absolute zero, molecular motion lacks in the matter. 
Matter keeps changing its state depending on the amount of 
heat applied. 
For instance, to describe how a study of heat relates to the 
kinetic theory of matter, an experiment on the melting of ice 
is the best way to demonstrate molecular motion.
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TRANSFER OF  
THERMAL 
ENERGY
Heat is termed as the transmission of energy 
between physical bodies. Heat is also said to be 
energy transfer between two thermodynamic 
systems when there is a temperature variance, and 
thermal exchange is possible. Heat is, therefore, a 
transfer of thermal energy.
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THANK YOU
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