Consider the following state- ments : I. Particles of matter intermix on their own. II. Particles of matter have force acting between them. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

According to the kinetic molecular theory, matter is composed of tiny particles that are in constant, random motion [2]. Statement I is correct because particles of matter intermix on their own through a process called diffusion, which is the spontaneous mixing of substances caused by their random motion [2]. This occurs as particles occupy available spaces between one another. Statement II is also correct as particles of matter are held together by interparticle forces of attraction [1]. These forces vary in strength across different states: they are strongest in solids, providing a fixed shape, and weakest in gases [1]. While ideal gas models sometimes assume no forces exist to simplify calculations, real matter relies on these attractions to condense into liquids and solids. Therefore, both statements accurately describe the fundamental properties of matter particles.

Sources

1. [2] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 7: Particulate Nature of Matter > Safety first > p. 101
2. [1] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 7: Particulate Nature of Matter > Snapshots > p. 113