What are the characteristics of the particles of matter?

The particles of matter, whether they belong to solids, liquids, or gases, possess several key characteristics:

1. Mass: Mass is weight that is related to the particles of matter in an object. This bulk provides to the general characteristics of the material.

2. Volume: Particles have volume since they occupy space. However, the volume they occupy varies according to the state of matter (solid, liquid and gaseous).

3. Particle Motion: Matter is constituted of moving particles. This motion is in accordance with the state of matter which can either be in the solid and liquid state. Particles in solids normally experience motion with oscillations around fixed places. Particles in liquid are also mobile since they may get away from each other and yet almost at a contact. Gas particles are free and fast that occupy any available space in the universe.

4. Forces Between Particles: Matter particles attract each other through contact. These forces are strong enough to make the particles in solids pack closely and in a fixed fashion. In liquids, the forces are less compared to solids; hence the particles can pass each other without moving too far apart. The forces between particles in a gas are meager, and the particles move nearly independently.

5. Energy: Kinetic energy of the particles is a direct result of their motion incessantly. Solids have the lowest kinetic energy of particles, whereas gases have the most kinetic energy of particles.

6. Arrangement: State is determined by the way in which particles are arranged in matter. Particles of solids usually have an orderly arrangement into a structured pattern. Unlike crystals, particles in liquids are less ordered and more spread-out. The particles are highly disorganized and lack any organization for a gas.

This knowledge helps explain why states of matter behave differently during temperature variations, pressure, and other external conditions.