Worksheet: Interparticulate Nature of

Matter
Class: 8 (CBSE) | Subject: Science
Total Questions: 100 | Maximum Marks: 210

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark Each)

Choose the most appropriate option from the choices provided.

1. Which of the following best describes the interparticulate spaces in the three states of
matter?

(a) Solid > Liquid > Gas

(b) Liquid > Solid > Gas

(c) Gas > Liquid > Solid

(d) Gas > Solid > Liquid

2. When a crystal of potassium permanganate is placed in water, the purple color spreads
on its own. This is due to:

(a) Gravitational force

(b) Interparticulate attraction

(c) Diffusion of particles

(d) Sublimation

3. What happens to the kinetic energy of particles when the temperature of a substance is
increased?

(a) It decreases

(b) It increases

(c) It remains constant

(d) It first increases then decreases

4. Which state of matter has the strongest interparticulate forces of attraction?

(a) Solid
 (b) Liquid

(c) Gas

(d) Plasma

5. The process by which gas particles completely fill any container they are kept in is
primarily due to:

(a) High density and low kinetic energy

(b) Low interparticulate space and high forces

(c) High kinetic energy and negligible interparticulate forces

(d) Fixed shape and volume

6. If you compress a gas enclosed in a cylinder with a piston, you decrease the:

(a) Size of the particles

(b) Interparticulate spaces

(c) Mass of the particles

(d) Nature of the substance

7. Which of the following substances has the least interparticulate force of attraction at
room temperature?

(a) Iron nail

(b) Water

(c) Oxygen

(d) Common salt

8. The rate of diffusion of a liquid is higher than that of a solid because:

(a) Liquid particles have more space and move freely compared to solid particles

(b) Liquid particles are tightly packed

(c) Solid particles have higher kinetic energy

(d) Liquids have a fixed shape

9. When sugar is dissolved in water, the volume of water does not increase. This proves
that:
 (a) Water particles have no mass

(b) Sugar particles are larger than water particles

(c) Spaces exist between water particles

(d) Water is a solid

10. The arrangement of particles is most ordered in:

(a) Solids

(b) Liquids

(c) Gases

(d) Both liquids and gases

11. Which of the following properties is characteristic of the gaseous state?

(a) High rigidity

(b) High compressibility

(c) Fixed shape

(d) Minimum interparticulate space

12. When we smell hot sizzling food from several meters away, which property of matter is
demonstrated?

(a) Particles of matter are static

(b) Particles of matter are continuously moving

(c) Interparticulate space decreases with temperature

(d) Matter has high density

13. The interparticulate force of attraction between particles of the same substance is
called:

(a) Adhesive force

(b) Cohesive force

(c) Gravitational force

(d) Magnetic force

14. Which of the following cannot be compressed easily?

 (a) Oxygen gas

(b) LPG cylinder gas

(c) A wooden block

(d) Water vapor

15. On converting 25°C to the Kelvin scale, the correct temperature is:

(a) 248 K

(b) 298 K

(c) 300 K

(d) 273 K

16. What prevents the particles of a solid block of stone from flying apart?

(a) Large interparticulate spaces

(b) Strong interparticulate forces of attraction

(c) High kinetic energy

(d) Continuous motion

17. Which of the following states of matter flows easily but has a fixed volume?

(a) Ice

(b) Water vapor

(c) Kerosene oil

(d) Nitrogen gas

18. In which of the following pairs will the rate of diffusion be the fastest?

(a) Solid into solid

(b) Liquid into solid

(c) Liquid into liquid

(d) Gas into gas

19. The physical state of water at 0°C can be:

(a) Only solid

 (b) Only liquid

(c) Either solid or liquid

(d) Only gas

20. When an incense stick is lit in one corner of a room, its aroma spreads quickly because:

(a) Particles of air push the aroma down

(b) Heating increases the speed of incense particles

(c) The incense stick expands

(d) Interparticulate spaces in gases are zero

21. Density is defined as mass per unit volume. The order of increasing density for air,
water, and iron is:

(a) Iron < Water < Air

(b) Water < Air < Iron

(c) Air < Water < Iron

(d) Air < Iron < Water

22. Which of the following factors increases the rate of diffusion?

(a) Decreasing the temperature

(b) Increasing the temperature

(c) Increasing the size of the container

(d) Decreasing the kinetic energy

23. A sponge can be compressed easily even though it is a solid because:

(a) Its particles are loosely bound

(b) It contains minute pores trapped with air

(c) It has high interparticulate space like a liquid

(d) It is not a real solid

24. Matter is made up of very small:

(a) Molecules only

(b) Atoms only

 (c) Particles

(d) Crystals

25. The interparticulate spaces in gases are:

(a) Minimum

(b) Maximum

(c) Equal to liquids

(d) Moderately low

26. Why do solids have a rigid structure?

(a) Because particles are free to move anywhere

(b) Because kinetic energy overcomes attractive forces

(c) Because particles vibrate only about their fixed positions

(d) Because they have no interparticulate forces

27. Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) turns directly into gas without changing into a liquid. This
shows that its particles:

(a) Have very high interparticulate spaces at room pressure

(b) Completely lose their forces of attraction readily

(c) Are highly stable as a liquid

(d) Do not possess kinetic energy

28. Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding particles of matter?

(a) They are very small.

(b) They have spaces between them.

(c) They are stationary at absolute room temperature.

(d) They attract each other.

29. Breaking a chalk piece requires less force than breaking an iron nail. This implies:

(a) Chalk has larger particles than iron.

(b) Interparticulate forces are stronger in iron than in chalk.

(c) Chalk particles move faster than iron particles.

 (d) Iron has no interparticulate spaces.

30. Fluidity is a characteristic property of:

(a) Solids and liquids

(b) Liquids and gases

(c) Solids and gases

(d) Only gases

Section B: Short Answer Questions (2 Marks Each)

Answer the following questions briefly in 2 to 3 sentences.

31. Define 'matter' based on its physical nature.

32. What do you mean by the term "interparticulate space"?

33. Explain why a drop of ink spreads quickly when added to water.

34. Why do solids have a fixed shape and a fixed volume?

35. Arrange the following in increasing order of forces of attraction between particles:
Water, Air, Sugar block.

36. A diver is able to cut through water in a swimming pool. Which property of matter does
this observation show?

37. What happens to the interparticulate forces when a solid melts into a liquid?

38. Why are gases highly compressible compared to solids?

39. Convert the following temperatures to the Celsius scale: (a) 300 K, (b) 573 K.

40. Why does our hand move easily in air, but to do the same through a plank of wood we
need a karate expert?

41. What is diffusion? Give one daily life example where diffusion takes place in gases.

42. How does the kinetic energy of particles change with a decrease in temperature?

43. Why do liquids take the shape of the container in which they are kept, but keep a fixed
volume?

44. State two properties of particles of matter that you observed when dissolving salt in
water.

45. Why is solid carbon dioxide called "dry ice"?

46. Explain why steam causes more severe burns than boiling water at the same
temperature, using particle behavior.

47. What is the effect of pressure on the physical state of matter?

48. Define the term 'rigidity' with respect to the solid state.

49. Why does a gas exert pressure on the walls of its container?

50. How does the rate of diffusion change when a liquid is heated? Why?

51. What makes a rubber band change its shape when stretched? Is it still considered a
solid?

52. Compare the movement of particles in liquids with that in gases.

53. Why are we able to sip hot tea faster from a saucer than from a cup?

54. Name the process in which a solid changes directly into a gas without passing through
the liquid state. Give one example.

55. Why do clothes dry faster on a windy day? Explain in terms of particles.

56. What are the two major factors that decide whether a given substance will exist as a
solid, liquid, or gas?

57. Why do naphthalene balls disappear with time without leaving any solid behind?

58. Explain why we feel cold when we pour some acetone or perfume on our palm.

59. Why is a wooden table called a solid? Give two reasons based on particle arrangement.

60. What is meant by the "fluidity" of matter? Which states of matter exhibit it?

Section C: Long Answer Questions (3 Marks Each)

Answer the following questions in detail, ensuring clear scientific explanations.

61. Describe an experiment to demonstrate that there are spaces between the particles of
matter.

62. Compare solids, liquids, and gases under the following heads:
(a) Interparticulate force of attraction
(b) Kinetic energy of particles
(c) Fluidity

63. Explain with the help of a neat particle diagram why a gas expands to fill its container
completely whereas a solid does not.
64. Give scientific reasons for the following observations:
(a) Ice floats on water even though it is a solid.
(b) Tyres of vehicles are filled with compressed air.
(c) We can smell a perfume from a distance.

65. Detail how temperature affects the three characteristics of particles of matter.

66. With the help of particle motion, explain the phenomenon of evaporation. How does it
differ from boiling?

67. Describe an activity to show that particles of matter are extremely small and cannot be
seen with the naked eye.

68. Differentiate between cohesive forces and adhesive forces. Give an example where both
can be observed using water and glass.

69. Explain how the interparticulate nature of matter accounts for the property of diffusion.
Why is diffusion slowest in solids?

70. What is the relation between the Kelvin scale and the Celsius scale of temperature?
Write down the formula and convert -10°C and 100°C into Kelvin.

71. A balloon filled with air bursts when kept under the hot sun for a long time. Explain this
phenomenon on the basis of interparticulate space and kinetic energy.

72. State three properties of a liquid that distinguish it completely from a solid, and explain
each property using the kinetic theory of particles.

73. Why does the temperature of a substance remain constant during its melting point and
boiling point, even though heat is continuously supplied? Explain in terms of
interparticulate forces.

74. How does humidity affect the rate of evaporation? Explain why a wet cloth takes longer
to dry on a rainy day using the concept of air particles.

75. A piece of chalk, an ice cube, and an iron nail are struck with a hammer. What changes
will you observe? Explain the differences based on their interparticulate attraction.

76. What is LPG and CNG? Why are these gases stored in liquid form inside containers?
What property of gas makes this possible?

77. Define the terms: (a) Melting point, (b) Boiling point, (c) Latent heat of vaporization.

78. When water is heated, bubbles start appearing at the bottom of the vessel before it
actually begins to boil. Explain the reason behind this observation.

79. How do cotton clothes help us stay cool during hot summer days? Detail the mechanism
involving particles.
80. Explain why a desert cooler cools better on a hot dry day than on a hot humid day.

Section D: Long Answer Questions (4 Marks Each)

Answer the following questions thoroughly, including examples, definitions, and step-by-
step reasoning.

81. Comprehensive Particle Model Evaluation:

(a) Draw a labeled diagram showing the arrangement of particles in a solid, a liquid, and a
gas.
(b) Use these diagrams to explain why solids have a high density, liquids can flow, and gases
have no fixed volume.

82. The Phenomenon of Evaporation vs. Boiling:

(a) Define evaporation and state four factors on which its rate depends.
(b) Explain how each factor influences the kinetic energy or escape tendency of surface
particles.

83. Interconversion of States of Matter:

(a) Draw a complete schematic diagram showing the interconversion of the three states of
matter (Solid, Liquid, Gas) naming all six processes involved.
(b) For each process, state whether heat energy must be added or removed, and explain
what happens to the interparticulate space during that process.

84. Experimental Setup and Analysis:

Describe an activity to compare the compressibility of a solid, a liquid, and a gas using a 50
mL syringe. Detail the procedure, observations, and write a firm scientific conclusion based
on interparticulate spaces.

85. Latent Heat Deep Dive:

(a) What is meant by "Latent Heat"? Differentiate clearly between the Latent Heat of Fusion
and the Latent Heat of Vaporization.
(b) Why is ice at 273 K more effective in cooling a drink than water at the same
temperature? Explain using particle energy concepts.

86. Diffusion and Mass Relations:

(a) Why does the rate of diffusion of gases vary with their mass? (Hint: Think about lighter
vs. heavier particles).
(b) If an ammonia gas bottle and a hydrochloric acid bottle are opened at opposite ends of a
long glass tube, they meet to form a white cloud of ammonium chloride closer to the HCl
end. Explain this observation using particle velocity and diffusion.

87. The Kinetic Molecular Theory Analysis:

State the four main postulates of the kinetic nature of matter. Explain how these postulates
help us understand why a gas can expand to occupy a large room or compress into a tiny
cylinder.
88. Thermal Expansion and Contraction:
(a) Explain what happens to a solid copper rod when it is heated strongly. Why does its
length increase slightly, but it does not change its state immediately?
(b) Why do railway tracks leave small gaps between consecutive rails? Explain the danger if
these gaps are not provided, using particle concepts.

89. Effect of Pressure and Temperature Simultaneously:

(a) Under what conditions of temperature and pressure can gases be liquefied?
(b) Explain the step-by-step mechanism of liquefaction of air based on bringing particles
closer and decreasing their kinetic energy.

90. Comprehensive Properties Application:

Give a detailed explanation of why:
(i) Sponges behave like solids despite being highly compressible.
(ii) Honey flows much slower than water when poured onto a slanted plate.
(iii) We can smell perfume even if someone applies it in an adjacent room.
(iv) Water droplets appear on the outer surface of a glass tumbler containing ice-cold water.

91. Case-Based Study on Evaporative Cooling:

An earthen pot (matka) is traditionally used in Indian households to keep water cool during
summers.
(a) Explain the constructional feature of the earthen pot that allows cooling.
(b) Describe the detailed step-by-step particle mechanism that results in the lowering of the
temperature of the water inside.

92. Detailed Scale Transformations and States:

(a) Convert 373°C to Kelvin. What is the physical state of water at this temperature?
(b) What will be the state of water at (i) 25°C, (ii) 0°C, and (iii) 100°C? Explain what
happens to the interparticulate bonds at 0°C and 100°C.

93. Sublimation vs. Deposition Analysis:

(a) Differentiate between sublimation and deposition.
(b) Describe an experimental activity to demonstrate the sublimation of ammonium
chloride with a neat, labeled experimental diagram setup instruction.

94. Critical Review of Matter Properties:

Comment on the accuracy of the following statements with deep logical reasoning based on
particle theory:
(i) "Gases have no mass because their particles are very far apart."
(ii) "During the boiling of water, the temperature keeps rising till all the water turns to
steam."

95. Comparing the Flow Mechanics:

(a) Why are liquids and gases collectively called fluids?
(b) If both can flow, why does a gas fill its container entirely while a liquid settles at the
bottom? Distinguish clearly using interparticulate forces and the effect of gravity on
particles.

96. The Role of Interparticulate Distances:

(a) Why is it easier to slide on ice than on a wooden floor?
(b) What is the effect of increasing pressure on the freezing point of ice? Explain how ice
skating works based on the pressure exerted by the skater on ice particles.

97. Physical State Graphs Analysis (Conceptual):

Imagine a graph is plotted between the heating temperature vs. time for a block of ice taken
at -10°C and heated continuously until it turns into steam at 110°C.
(a) Describe the appearance of the graph during the melting of ice and boiling of water.
(b) Explain why flat plateaus appear on the curve during these phase changes using particle
energetic interactions.

98. Understanding Kinetic Energy Thresholds:

(a) Do all particles of a liquid have the same kinetic energy at a given temperature? Explain.
(b) How do high-energy particles at the surface manage to escape during evaporation?
What happens to the average kinetic energy of the remaining particles?

99. Density Variations in Anomalous Matter:

(a) Generally, solids have a higher density than liquids. Why then does ice (solid) have a
lower density than water (liquid)?
(b) Explain how the unique cage-like structure of ice creates extra interparticulate space,
and why this is vital for aquatic life in cold countries.

100. Practical Problem Solving:

A scientist wants to store a highly reactive gas at room temperature.
(a) Suggest two methods by which she can minimize the collision of gas particles with the
walls of the container.
(b) If she shifts the gas into a container double the size of the previous one without
changing anything else, what will happen to the interparticulate spaces, the frequency of
particle collisions, and the pressure exerted? Give reasons.