Unit 7: States of Matter

We can describe the bahavior of all matter using a tool known as Kinetic Molecular Theory.  This concept uses a simple set of rules to describe the behavior of individual atoms or molecules in your sample in order to explain the behavior of the whole sample.  We will be able to repalte properties like pressure, temperature, and volume using this theory to create a series of equations called gas laws that do exactly that: predict the behavior of a gas by observing the behavior of the particles in that gas.

The latter part of the unit will focus on what we called condensed pahses.  While Kinetic Molecular Theory can describe the bahavior of all matter, they was we use it for solids and liquids is dramitically different than how we use it for gasses.  These condensed phases use different rules, and thesefore have different outcomes.  We will learn specifically about solids and liquids and these new factors that effect their behavior like intermolecular forces.