Particles, temperature and density

Select a substance and move the temperature slider to compare particle movement, phase changes and density.

°C
0°C
Phase
Density
Density vs temperature
Approximate values at atmospheric pressure. Vertical dashed lines mark phase changes.
Particles shown:
Particle motion:
Particle interactions:
Animation speed:

Model limitations: this is a conceptual classroom model, not a true molecular dynamics simulation. Solids and liquids settle under simplified gravity while gases fill the available container. Particle spacing is exaggerated so changes are visible; the graph shows approximate density trends.

About this simulation

Change temperature and compare how particles move, spread and occupy space in different substances. The simulation links particle motion to macroscopic properties such as density and changes in state, helping students distinguish particle-level explanations from what they observe in bulk materials. It is designed for secondary science and chemistry lessons.

Key concepts: Particle model, Temperature, Density, States of matter.