Atoms and molecules are perpetually in motion from "summary" of Physics 11 by British Columbia. Schools Department. Curriculum Development Branch
Atoms and molecules are perpetually in motion. This perpetual motion is a fundamental characteristic of all matter in the universe. Even at temperatures close to absolute zero, atoms and molecules continue to vibrate and move. This constant motion is due to the kinetic energy possessed by atoms and molecules. The higher the temperature, the greater the kinetic energy, and thus the faster the motion of the particles. At absolute zero, when the temperature is at its lowest possible point, particles would theoretically stop moving altogether. However, reaching absolute zero is not physically achievable. The motion of atoms and molecules has important implications for the behavior of matter. For example, in a gas, the constant motion of particles leads to collisions between them. These collisions are responsible for the pressure exerted by a gas on its container. The faster the particles move, the greater the pressure that the gas exerts. In a liquid, the motion of molecules allows them to flow and take the shape of their container. This is why liquids can be poured and have a definite volume but not a definite shape. In a solid, although the particles vibrate around fixed positions, they still possess kinetic energy. This is what allows solids to maintain their shape and resist deformation. In summary, the perpetual motion of atoms and molecules is a crucial aspect of the behavior of matter. It is this motion that gives rise to the physical properties we observe in different states of matter, such as the ability of gases to exert pressure, liquids to flow, and solids to maintain their shape.
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