Matter and Its Composition — Question 8
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Describe simple experiments to show that —
(a) Particles of matter have intermolecular attraction.
(b) Particles of matter are closely packed in solids and less in liquids.
(a) Simple experiment to show that particles of matter have intermolecular attraction:
Procedure : Globules of mercury are placed in a petri dish and kept at a distance. Then the petri dish is shaken, and the mercury globules come together forming a big globule.
Conclusion : The above activity concludes that a force of attraction exists between the particles of matter.
(b) Simple experiment to show that particles of matter are closely packed in solids and less in liquids:
Procedure : 100 ml of water is taken in a measuring cylinder. Crystals of sugar (solid) are added to the water to obtain sugar solution. The volume of water, even after adding sugar remains the same at 100 ml.
Conclusion : This concludes that particles of matter are closely packed in solids and less closely packed in liquids. The sugar particles fill the intermolecular spaces which must be existing between the water molecules and hence the level of the water in the measuring cylinder does not rise.