2020

PARTICULATE NATURE OF
MATTER

TEACHERS OF PHYSICS
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10/6/2020
 1. What do you understand by the term “particulate nature of matter?” (1mk)
This is the existence of matter in very tiny particles.
2. State the evidence to show that matter is made up of very small particles. (2mk)
Use of a Piece of Paper.
A piece of paper can be cut continuously until when the small pieces cannot be cut into
pieces any further. This suggests that the sheet of paper is made of tiny pieces of paper.
Hence matter is made up of tiny particles.
Diluting Potassium Permanganate Solution
The process of diluting purple potassium manganese(VII)
Can continue until the solution appears colorless.
This suggests that the particles of potassium
Permanganate are spread evenly in water and each dilution
Process spread them further. This is a proof that matter is
Made up of tiny particles which can be separated.

3. State the reason why it is easier to separate water into drops than to separate a solid into
smaller pieces. (1mk)
The force of attraction between solid particles is stronger that in liquids thus it’s easier
to separate liquid particles than solid particles.
4. You are provided with a beaker, a crystal of potassium permanganate and water. Describe a simple
experiment how you can verify that matter is made up of small particles. Pour water into the
beaker to half full. Dissolve the potassium permanganate crystals until the solution is
purple. Transfer half of the solution to another beaker and add water. Continue the
process with other beakers, comparing the colour to each other. The process of
dilution can continue until the solution appears colourless. This suggests that the
particles of potassium permanganate are spread evenly on water. As water particles
increase the particles of potassium permanganate are spread further, making the
purple colourless and less until it appears colourless. Thus it can be concluded that
Potassium permanganate is made up of tiny particles.

5. Fifteen grams of common salt were added to 1000cm3 of water. After all the salt had dissolved the
volume of solution was found to be 998cm3. Account for the decrease in volume of the solution.
(2mk)
The salt particles occupy the small intermolecular spaces of the water molecules.
This behavior of salt suggests that matter is made of very tiny particles.
6. Water was added to fill a flask containing some mass of salt. The container was sealed with a
cork and shaken thoroughly to dissolve the salt. It was noticed that the level of the liquid
dropped.
Initial level
Final
Water Level
Salt
Salt solution

Explain the observation made above. (1mk)

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 Particles of salt are able to occupy some spaces between the water particles. The
particles of the solution pack more closely in the available space, thus reducing the
volume.
BROWNIAN MOTION
1. What is Brownian motion?
Brownian motion refers to the continuous random movement of liquid
and gas particles.
2. Explain the reason why a dropping dust particle in a still room does not trace a straight
vertical path.(1mark)
The particle is hit continually by the movement of small invisible particles
of air. The movement is random, suggesting that the particles of air are in
constant random movement.
3. In the Brownian motion experiment, smoke particles are observed to move randomly. Explain
how this motion is caused. (2mk)
The Smoke Particles Are Continuously Colliding With The Invisible Air
Particle.
4. Name one state of matter in which Brownian motion occurs. (1mk)
Solid.

5. A student observed some pollen grains on the surface of water in a beaker as shown below.
Observer

Hand lens
Pollen grains
Transparent lid

Water

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 (i) State the observation made. ( 1mk)
The pollen grains are observed to be in a continuous random motion.
(ii) Explain the observation in (i) above. (1mk)
The pollen grains are colliding continuously and randomly with the invisible
water particles.
(iii) State the changes observed when the temperature of the water above is increased.
(1mk)
The continuous random motion will be increased.
6. Explain the cause of random motion of smoke particles as observed in
Brownian motion experiment using smoke cell.
The smoke particles collide continuous and randomly with invisible air particles. This causes
their continuous random motion.
7. In an experiment to demonstrate Brownian motion, smoke was placed in a smoke cell and
observed using a microscope. Bright specks were seen moving randomly in a cell. Explain the
observation. (1mark)
The smoke particles in the smoke cell collide continuous and randomly with invisible air
particles. This causes their continuous random motion.
8. The figure below shows apparatus used to observe the behaviour of smoke particles in a smoke
cell.

Microscope

Strong Smoke particles

Beam of
light Smoke cell

(a) State and explain what was observed. (2mk)

Bright sparks are observed to be in a continuous random motion.
The bright sparks are smoke particles that are being bombarded continuously and randomly
by invisible air particles.
(b) Explain what would be happen if the temperature was raised. (1mk)
The observed continuous random motion would increase because increasing the temperature
would increase the kinetic energy of the particles.
9. Brownian motion of smoke particles can be studied by using the apparatus shown below. To
observe the motion, some smoke is enclosed in the smoke cell and then observed through the
microscope.

Microscope
Lens
Source of
light Smoke particles
Smoke cell

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 (a) State and explain the observation made. (2mk)
Bright sparks are observed to be in a continuous random motion.
The bright sparks are smoke particles that are being bombarded continuously and
randomly by invisible air particles.

(b) State what will be observed if the temperature surrounding the smoke cell is
increased. (1mk)
The observed continuous random motion would increase.
(c) What is the function of the following in the experiment above.
(i) Microscope. (1mk)
Enlarge the smoke cell for easy observation.
(ii) The Lens. (1mk)
Focus the light into the smoke cell for easy illumination.

10. When smoke particles are observed through a microscope in a smoke cell
which is illuminated
from the side.

(a) What observation is made? (1mk)

Bright sparks are observed to be in a continuous random motion.
(b) How can you tell which particles are larger? (1mk)
The smoke particle are the only ones seen though air particles are also in the smoke cell
but can’t be seen since are very tiny to be observed.
(c) What change on their motion would be observed if the temperature of the smoke cell is
increased?
Their motion would be observed to increase.
11. Smoke was trapped in a smoke cell and viewed through a lens. State the change in movement
of the smoke particles when the temperature of the room was lowered.
The smoke particles would move slower.
12. Smoke particles in an air cell is suitably illuminated and viewed through a microscope.
a) State and explain what is observed.
Bright sparks are observed to be in a continuous random motion.
The bright sparks are smoke particles that are being bombarded continuously and randomly
by invisible air particles.
b) What change is expected in the observations as the contents in the air cell were warmed?
The smoke particles would move faster and more randomly.
13. In the smoke cell experiment to show Brownian motion in gases, white specks in constant
random motion are seen in the cell. What changes would be observed if the same set up is viewed
at room temperature of about 250C and the then at a temperature of 140C. Explain your
observation. (3mk)
The continuous random motion at the temperature of 250C will be faster and more randomly
compared to the temperature of 140C. This is because at higher temperature the particles have
more kinetic energy than at a lower temperature thus particles move faster at 250C than 140C.
14. What happens to the motion of smoke particles in the smoke cell experiment when the set up is
Moved from an environment at 27 0c to an environment at 470C.
There would be an increase in the continuous random motion.

KINETIC THEORY
1. State the kinetic theory of matter.
Matter is made up of very tiny particles which are in a continuous random motion.
2. Use kinetic theory of matter to differentiate between solids and liquids.

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 The particles of solids are closely packed together in an organised way.
In their fixed positions, they vibrate to and fro, while in liquids, the particles are
further apart. They are not fixed as in solids but move about in Brownian
motion.
3. Distinguish between solid, gas and liquid states of matter in terms of intermolecular
forces.
The particles of solids are closely packed together in an organised way and have
a strong attractive forces (cohesive forces) between the particles while in liquids
the cohesive forces between the particles are weaker compared to those in
solids. Due to this liquid can flow and take up the shape of the container in
which they are put and in gases the cohesive force between the particles is
extremely small and as the particles move they collide with each other and with
the walls of the container in which they are trapped.
4. Distinguish between solid, gas and liquid states of matter in terms of intermolecular
distances.
The particles of solids are closely packed together in an organised way while the
those in liquids are further apart. They are not fixed as in solids but move about
in Brownian motion.Those in gases are further apart and have increased
random motion compared to those in the liquid state.
5. Using the kinetic theory of matter, explain why liquids expand more than solids when heated
through the same temperature.
Solid particles are closely packed together and strongly knitted together compared to
liquids which are loosely packed, when heated the liquids particles easily gain kinetic
energy and expand. At the temperature the solid would require more energy to weaken
the strong cohesive bond before expanding.
6. In terms of intermolecular distances, explain why it is easier to compress a gas than a solid.
The liquids have larger intermolecular distance compared to solids thus it’s easier to
compress liquids than solids.
7. Use the kinetic theory of matter to explain thermal expansion in liquids.
When liquids are heated the particles gain more kinetic thus more randomly and also cover a
longer distance increasing the volume thus expanding.
8. Using kinetic theory of matter, explain why solids expand when heated.
When solids are heated their particles gain more kinetic energy thus start vibrating more
vigorously thus increasing their intermolecular distance thus increasing in
size(expanding).
9. The figure below shows arrangement of molecules in the three different states of matter.
State 1 State 2 State 3

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 a) Name the process represented by the arrow. (1mk)
Freezing
(b) State the reason for the arrangement of molecules in state 3. (1mk)
The cohesive force between the particles is extremely small thus particles
are further apart.
10. Name the processes A, B, C, D and E taking place below.
A

LIQUID
B
SOLID C
GAS

D E

A-VAPORISATION.
B- FREEZING.
C- SUBLIMATION.
D- MELTING.
E- DEPOSITION.
11. Name the processes X, Y, and Z taking place below. (4mk)
X

Y Z
LIQUID GAS SOLID

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 X- FREEZING.
Y- CONDESATION.
Z – DEPOSITION.
12. Name the processes K, L, M and N taking place below. (4mk)

L
GAS LIQUID SOLID
M

N
K-DEPOSITION.
L – CONDESATION.
M – MELTING.
N – VAPORISATION.
DIFFUSION
1. Define the term diffusion.
This is the process by which particles spread from regions of high concentration to those of
low concentration. Diffusion takes place in solids, liquids and gases.

2. State and explain two factors that affect the rate of diffusion.
The temperature of the substance. Change in temperature of a substance changes the kinetic
energy in the particles of the substance thus amount of kinetic energy will determine fast a
substance diffuses.
Density of the substance, a substance of high density has heavier particles hence
moves more slowly than lighter one.

3. A drop of blue ink is introduced at the bottom of a beaker containing water. It is observed
that after some time all the water in the beaker turn blue. Name the process that takes place.
Diffusion.

4. A crystal of potassium permanganate was carefully introduced at the bottom of water

column held in a gas jar. After sometimes the whole volume of water was coloured.
i) Explain this observation. 1mk
The particles of potassium permanganate moved from region of high concentration (point
of introduction) to other parts of the water occupying the spaces within the water molecules.
ii) State the effect of using warm water on the observation above. 1mk
The process would take place faster (within a short time).

5.Two identical containers X and Y are filled with water. X is filled with cold water while Y is filled
with hot water. A crystal of potassium permanganate is then put in both containers at the same time.
In which container did the potassium permanganate spread fastest? Explain
Y- high temperature implies high kinetic energy in the particles thus particles move faster
than in the colder water X

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 6. Two samples of bromine vapour are allowed to diffuse separately under different
conditions, one in a vacuum and the other in air. State with reasons the conditions in which
bromine diffuse slower. (2mk)
In air, due to collision with air particles
7. A bottle containing a smelling gas is opened at the front bench of a Classroom in the
afternoon. State the reason why the gas is detected throughout the room shortly.
(2mk)
Because of diffusion, the gas particles tend to move from a region of high
concentration to region of low concentration.

8. State one reason why diffusion in gases is faster than diffusion in liquids. (2mks)
Diffusion in gases is faster due to their low density, high kinetic energy and
weak cohesive forces.
9. Two beakers contain equal volumes of water and ethanol. A crystal of potassium
permanganate is placed in the liquids at the bottom of each of
the beakers. In which beaker will the diffusion be faster given that the two liquids are at the
same temperature? Explain. (2mks)
In ethanol, ethanol is less dense than water thus less number of particle per volume thus the
particles of potassium permanganate will experience less collision in ethanol thus in water
thus diffusing faster
10. Two identical tubes A and B held horizontally contain air and water respectively. A small
quantity of coloured gas is introduced at one end of A while a small quantity of coloured water
is introduced at one end of B. State with reason the tube in which the colour will reach the
other end faster. (2mk)
A, diffusion in gases is faster due to their low density, high kinetic energy
and weak cohesive forces.

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 11. Study the set-ups below and use it to answer the questions that follow:
(a) (b)
TEA

HEAT
A student placed one teaspoonful of sugar in each of the identical cups with equal volume of tea as
shown above. With a reason which cup of tea will taste sugary after 2 minutes?
(2mks)
(a), the sugar particles gain more kinetic energy thus spread and occupy the spaces between
the particles of the heated liquid faster than in the colder liquid.
12. A bottle containing ammonia solution is placed at the back of the laboratory. Give a reason
why its smell may not be detected in other parts of the laboratory if the temperature of the
solution is kept very low.
Ammonia gas has lower density thus its particles are lighter thus diffuse easily
even at low temperature.
13. The figure below shows an arrangement to demonstrate diffusion through solids:-
Beaker
Porous pot
Hydrogen gas
supplied
Glass tube

Basin

Water

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The hydrogen gas is supplied for sometimes then stopped and the beaker removed. State and explain what
is likely to be observed when the hydrogen gas supply is stopped.
The water will rise in the glass tube.
As hydrogen diffuses out of the porous pot water rises to occupy space initial occupied by the hydrogen
gas.

14. Use the diagram below to answer the question below.

Beaker

Porous pot

Hydrogen gas

A B
Water

(i) State the aim of this experiment. (1 mark)

To show diffusion through a porous pot.
(ii) At the start of the experiment, the region below the beaker had no hydrogen gas. The hydrogen
gas from a gas generator is now introduced for sometime.
State the observation made. (1 mark)
The water level in A lowers while it rises in B.
(iii) Give a reason for your answer. (1 mark)
Hydrogen gas diffuses into the porous pot thus pushing in arm A of the manometer downward.
15. The set up in figure below shows some observation made by a form two student in their school
laboratory during a physics class. In fig (a) bubbles were coming out of water when hydrogen
gas was allowed to flow over the porous pot whereas, fig (b) shows water having risen through
the tube.
Hydrogen
Gas
Porous pot

Hydrogen gas
supplied
Air Bubbles

Water

(a) (b)
(i) What was the lesson investigating ? (1mk)
Diffusion through porous materials

(ii) Briefly explain each observation made in:

I Fig (a). (1mk)
Hydrogen gas is diffusing into the porous pot thus expelling the air initially occupying the porous
pot.
II Fig (b) (1mk)
Hydrogen gas is diffusing out of the porous pot thus water rises to occupy the space
left by the diffusing hydrogen gas.
(ii) Name two factors that would affect the observation made in the experiment set
up, in figure above. (2mks)
Temperature of the surrounding.
Size of the pores on the porous pot.
 16. Bromine (Reddish brown vapour) and air were trapped in gas jars A and B
and the apparatus arranged as shown in figure 4 below.
Cardboard
A Bromi ne gas Air
B

ARTICULATE NATURE OF MAT TER Pg 6

 Explain what is observed if the jars are left for some time. (2mk)
A pale brown mixture forms in the two jars.
This because bromine gas diffused into jar B while air diffused into jar A
forming a homogenous pale brown mixture.

17. The set-up shown in the figure below is used to investigate the rate of diffusion of two
gases. B and C are cotton wools soaked in hydrochloric acid and ammonia solution
respectively.

B Y C
A white deposit Y is formed between B and C. Compare the densities of the two gases.
(2mk)
Gas B is denser than gas C.
A gas of high density has heavier particles hence moves more slowly than lighter
one.

18. The figure below shows two gases A and B put in a tube at the same time.
If gas B is heavier than gas A, indicate on the diagram where the two gases are likely to
meet

A B

The gases are likely to meet near gas B.