# The Particle Model of Matter The particle model explains how all matter is made of tiny particles that are always moving and have spaces between them ([Knowledge](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475), [PDF p.1](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/library/pdf/9862?page=1)). In this worksheet, you will show what you know about how particles arrange and move in solids, liquids, and gases, and how this explains the properties of matter ([Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36473)). ## Exercises 1. **Draw and label the particles.** Use dots to represent particles. Draw three boxes below and show how particles are arranged in each state of matter. Label each box as solid, liquid, or gas. Solid: ________________ Liquid: ________________ Gas: ________________ 2. **Match each state of matter to its particle behaviour.** Write the letter of the correct answer. | State of Matter | Particle Behaviour | |---|---| | Solid | A) Particles are far apart and move in all directions | | Liquid | B) Particles are close together and vibrate in place | | Gas | C) Particles have spaces between them and slide past each other | Solid: ___ Liquid: ___ Gas: ___ 3. **Complete the sentences about attractive forces.** Use the words *strongest* or *weakest*. In solids, the attractive forces between particles are ________________. In gases, the attractive forces between particles are ________________. These forces affect how tightly the particles are packed together. 4. **Read the scenario and explain using the particle model.** A sponge is a solid, but it has many tiny air pockets inside it. Use what you know about particles to explain what happens when you squeeze a sponge. _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ 5. **Multiple choice: Density and particles.** Which statement best explains why a rock sinks in water but a piece of wood floats? A) The rock has larger particles than the wood. B) The rock has more mass packed into the same volume, making it denser than water. C) The rock's particles are moving faster than the water's particles. D) The rock has stronger attractive forces than wood. Answer: ___ 6. **Apply the particle model to a real change.** When ice melts into liquid water, the particles begin to move more and have more space between them. What happens to the attractive forces between the particles as ice melts? Explain your answer. _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ ## Answer Key 1. Student drawings should show: Solid, dots very close together in a fixed pattern; Liquid, dots close but with small gaps, arranged loosely; Gas, dots far apart, spread throughout the space. 2. Solid: B, Liquid: C, Gas: A 3. In solids, the attractive forces between particles are *strongest*. In gases, the attractive forces between particles are *weakest*. 4. When you squeeze a sponge, you push the air out of the tiny air pockets inside it. The air (a gas) takes up space, so removing it makes the sponge appear smaller. The solid material of the sponge itself does not change. 5. B 6. The attractive forces between the particles become weaker as ice melts. The particles gain energy and move faster, so they can overcome some of the attractive forces holding them in a fixed solid structure. This allows them to slide past each other as a liquid. --- *AILI homework sheet · language en · model claude-haiku-4-5-20251001 · generated 2026-09-17 · id 8df70a32-0f10-4bdc-b0a1-8dac46ce8045* ### Sources - node:n1: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36472) - node:n2: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36473) - node:n3: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475) - node:n4: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36477) - node:n5: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36476) - node:n6: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. 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(https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36480) - node:n9: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36473) - node:n10: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36477) - node:n11: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475) - node:n12: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36476) - node:n13: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36480) - pdf:p1: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Stepping Into Science Alberta | Matter - Grade 5 › p.1 (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/library/pdf/9862?page=1) - node:n14: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. 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