2. Explain the Particle Theory in your own words and use it to explain why solids don't flow. (6) marks) Use images in your explanation to aid you

The Particle Theory explains how all matter is made up of tiny particles that are constantly moving. These particles have spaces between them and are attracted to each other. The strength of this attraction and the amount of movement determine whether something is a solid, liquid, or gas.<br /><br />Think of it like this:<br /><br />* **Particles:** Imagine tiny balls, like marbles, but much, much smaller. These are the particles that make up everything around us.<br /><br />* **Movement:** These tiny balls are always vibrating and moving, even in solids. Think of them jiggling in place. In liquids, they move more freely, sliding past each other. In gases, they zoom around randomly at high speeds.<br /><br />* **Attraction:** The particles are attracted to each other, like tiny magnets. The strength of this attraction varies depending on the substance.<br /><br />* **Spaces:** There are spaces between the particles. These spaces are smallest in solids and largest in gases.<br /><br /><br />[Solid Image - Imagine a tightly packed grid of marbles, vibrating slightly but held firmly in place. Perhaps use an image like this: https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/images/2010-arrangement-of-particles-in-a-solid]<br /><br />Now, let's apply this to why solids don't flow:<br /><br />In a solid, the particles are very close together and the attraction between them is very strong. They can vibrate in place, but they can't move past each other easily. This strong attraction and tight packing hold the particles in a fixed arrangement, giving the solid a definite shape and volume. Because the particles can't move freely, the solid can't flow.<br /><br />[Liquid Image - Imagine marbles still close together, but able to slide past each other. Perhaps use an image like this: https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/images/2009-arrangement-of-particles-in-a-liquid]<br /><br />In contrast, liquids *can* flow because the particles have more space between them and the attraction is weaker. They can slide past each other, taking the shape of their container.<br /><br />So, the key takeaway is that the strong attraction and close packing of particles in a solid prevent them from flowing, giving the solid a rigid structure.<br />