Particles of Matter Have Space Between Them
Matter, defined as anything that occupies space and has mass, consists of numerous particles. Ancient philosophers classified matter into basic elements, while modern science splits them based on physical and chemical properties. This section emphasizes that particles of matter have space between them, illustrated through activities demonstrating how substances like salt dissolve and diffuse in water. For example, adding salt to water doesn't increase the water level, showing that salt particles fit into the spaces between water molecules. Another activity involves diluting potassium permanganate, revealing how a few particles can color larger volumes of water, underscoring the minuscule size of matter's particles. The section also highlights that particles are in constant motion, and this degree of motion increases with temperature, influencing behavior such as diffusion. Overall, the existence of space between particles is foundational to understanding how matter interacts.