Final answer:
The Particle Theory in chemistry explains the states of matter using the kinetic molecular theory, describing atoms, molecules, or ions as particles in constant motion. The arrangement and motion of particles differ across states, with tightly packed particles in solids, less organized in liquids, and far apart in gases. The intermolecular forces also vary by state, and on a submicroscopic level, particles display both particle and wave characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Particle Theory is a fundamental concept in chemistry that helps explain the properties and behaviors of different states of matter—solids, liquids, and gases—using the kinetic molecular theory. In particle theory, all matter is composed of small units referred to as particles, which can be atoms, molecules, or ions. These particles are in constant motion; the degree and type of motion vary depending on the state of matter.
For instance, in a solid, particles are tightly packed together in a regular arrangement and vibrate about fixed positions. In a liquid, the particles are still close but without a regular arrangement, allowing them to move past each other while maintaining constant contact. In a gas, particles are spaced far apart and move independently, except during occasional collisions. The level of intermolecular attraction, which refers to the attractive forces between particles, also varies amongst the states of matter, being strongest in solids and weakest in gases.