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Chapter 1, Lesson 4 Multimedia

Particles of a Solid

A closeup on the particles that make up an anvil. The particles have little movement; they vibrate but do not move past each other.

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  • The atoms of a solid are strongly attracted to each other
  • Solids keep their shape because of these strong attractions
  • The atoms vibrate but do not move past each other

Comparing Solid and Liquid

The behavior of molecules in solids is contrasted with the behavior of molecules in liquids. The molecules in the solid vibrate but don't move past each other. The molecules in the liquid are attracted to each other, but are able to slide past each other.

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  • The atoms of a solid are so attracted to each other that they vibrate and don't move past each other.
  • The molecules of a liquid are attracted to each other, but move more freely than the atoms of a solid. The molecules of a liquid are able to move past one another.

Heating and Coooling a Metal Ball

A set is displayed consisting of a small metal ring and a small metal ball in which the ball just fits through the ring. After the ball is heated, it no longer fits through the ring.

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  • At room temperature, the ball fits through the ring.
  • When the metal ball is heated enough, it will not fit through the ring.
  • When the ball is cooled back to room temperature, it fits through the ring again.

Heating and Cooling a Solid

A closeup on the particles that make up an anvil. As heat is added, the particles move slightly further apart and move more. As the anvil is cooled, the particles move less and are closer to one another.

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  • When a solid is heated, the particles move faster and move slightly further apart
  • When a solid is cooled, the particles move slower and move slightly closer together

Molecules in a Room Temperature and Hot Metal Ball

A close-up on the particles in a room temperature metal ball. The molecules are close together and have little movement.A close-up on the particles in a hot metal ball. The molecules are further apart and have more movement.
  • At room temperature, the atoms in the ball vibrate but do not move past each other
  • When the metal ball is heated, the atoms vibrate faster. Their motion competes with their attractions and the move a little further apart