Chapter 2: The Structure of the Atom

1. What is matter?
Matter is made up of very tiny and discrete particles. It can be atoms, molecules or ions.
2. Atom The smallest particle of an element that can take part in a chemical reaction.
3. Molecule A group of two or more atoms which are chemically bonded together. It can
consist of the same type of atom or different type of atoms.
4. Ion A positively charged particle named as cation or negatively charged particle named
as anion.
5. Kinetic theory of matter
a. Matter is made up of tiny and discrete particles which are constantly moving and
possess kinetic energy.
b. There are spaces between particles.
c. The kinetic energy of particle changes with temperature. (The higher temperature
it is, the faster the particles move.)
d. At fixed temperature, lighter particles move faster than heavier particles.
6. Diffusion is an evidence of the kinetic theory of matter.
a. Diffusion is the random movement of particles from a region of higher
concentration to a region of lower concentration.
b. Particles of a substance move in the spaces between particles of another
substance.
7. Matter can exist as solid, liquid or gas.

SPM Chemistry Form 4

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