# The Particle Model of Matter

The particle model explains how matter behaves by describing the movement and arrangement of tiny particles ([Knowledge](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475), [Understanding](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36480)). In this worksheet, you will show what you know about how particles are arranged and move in solids, liquids, and gases.

## Exercises

**1. Particle Arrangement in States of Matter**

Complete the table by writing how particles are arranged in each state of matter ([Knowledge](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)).

| State of Matter | How particles are arranged |
|---|---|
| Solid | ______________________ |
| Liquid | ______________________ |
| Gas | ______________________ |

**2. Movement of Particles**

Which statement best describes how particles move in all three states of matter ([Knowledge](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475))?

A) Particles only move in solids.

B) Particles are always moving.

C) Particles move only when heated.

D) Particles stop moving in liquids.

**3. Spaces Between Particles**

Draw a simple diagram of particles in a gas. Show how the spaces between particles in a gas compare to the spaces in a solid. Label your diagram to show "large spaces" and "particles" ([Knowledge](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475), [Skills](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36477)).

Space for diagram:

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

**4. Attractive Forces**

In which state of matter are the attractive forces between particles the strongest ([Knowledge](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475))?

A) Gas

B) Liquid

C) Solid

D) They are equal in all states.

**5. Relating Particle Movement to Properties**

Ice is a solid. When ice melts into water, what happens to the particles ([Knowledge](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475), [Skills](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36477))?

A) The particles stop moving.

B) The particles move closer together and vibrate faster.

C) The particles separate and can slide past each other.

D) The particles disappear.

**6. Describing States Using the Particle Model**

Use the particle model to explain why a gas takes up more space than a solid made of the same amount of matter. Write your answer in two or three sentences ([Knowledge](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475), [Skills](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36477)).

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

## Answer Key

1. Solid: close together and vibrate in place; Liquid: separated by spaces and can slide past each other; Gas: separated by large spaces and constantly moving in all directions.

2. B

3. Diagram should show particles spread far apart with large spaces between them, compared to a solid where particles are close together.

4. C

5. C

6. In a gas, particles are separated by large spaces and move constantly in all directions. In a solid, particles are close together and only vibrate in place. Because gas particles have more space between them and move freely, a gas takes up much more space than a solid.

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*AILI homework sheet · language en · model claude-haiku-4-5-20251001 · generated 2026-09-17 · id a5651eb1-88fa-4cc7-9fb3-b1174e5cf4f6*

### 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. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36479)
- node:n7: 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/36481)
- node:n8: 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)
- 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)
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- 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/36477)
- 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/36480)
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