To show that air has a mass: 1. Use a mass balance to record the mass of the empty balloon. 2. Blow up the balloon and tie. 3. Use the mass balance to record the mass of the inflated balloon. 4. Record your observations.
Empty balloon Inflated balloon
g
)Fig. 14.2 To show that air has mass
Mass balance j Go to page 32 of your Experimental Investigations Log to write up this investigation. Particle theory
Scientists believe that all matter is made from very small particles. This idea is called particle theory. Particle theory is used to explain the properties of solids, liquids and gases.
Properties of solids, liquids and gases
A property of a substance is how it behaves. The particles in solids, liquids and gases are not still. They all have some energy, which causes them to move.
Solids, liquids and gases differ in how quickly the particles that make them up move and how close these particles are to each other. The solid state
When a substance is in the solid state, the particles that make up the substance touch because they are packed tightly together.
The particles do not move around, but they are not completely still either. They vibrate on the spot. This explains why solids have a fixed shape and cannot flow.
The liquid state
When a material is in the liquid state, the particles are very close together. Most particles touch each other.
The particles in a liquid have more energy than the particles in a solid. This means that the particles can move around and slide past each other. This explains why a liquid can flow and can change shape.
:Fig. 14.4 Particles in a liquid state
Elements of Science 137
:Fig. 14.3 Particles in a solid state
Eureka
The ancient Greeks were the first to suggest that everything is made up of particles that are too small to be seen.