Limits of the Particle Model Flashcards

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In science, what is a model, like the particle model?

It is a simple idea or picture that helps us explain and predict how something behaves.

Because it leaves out many details about real particles so that it is easier to draw and think about.

They are shown as tiny solid spheres, but real particles are not hard balls and can have different shapes and structures.

The diagrams do not show the attractive forces between particles or how strong these forces are.

Pictures look like particles are fixed and still, but in reality they always vibrate in place.

The particles and the gaps are not to scale, so the drawing does not show the true sizes or distances.

It makes it look like all particles are the same, but different atoms and molecules have different sizes and masses.

It does not show that particles are made of smaller parts, such as protons, neutrons and electrons.

Because it does not show clearly how strong the forces between particles are, or how much energy is needed to break them.

They use more complex models that include the types of bonds, forces between particles and the structure inside atoms.