The Nature of Particles
- Particles are like the bulk substance: The belief that individual atoms of gold
are shiny/yellow, or that particles of water are “wet” or “liquid.” - Matter is continuous: The idea that even if you zoom in forever, matter is just a
solid “stuff” with no empty space between particles. - Particles change size: Thinking that particles expand when heated or shrink
when cooled, rather than just moving further apart. - Particles can “die” or disappear: The belief that when a substance evaporates or dissolves, the particles cease to exist.
- There is “air” between particles: The misconception that the space between
atoms or molecules is filled with air, rather than being a vacuum (nothingness).