Particulate Models

Definition

Particulate models are visual representations of matter at the microscopic level, showing how individual particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) interact with each other.

Related terms

Atom:

The smallest unit of an element that retains the properties of that element.

Molecule:

A group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound that can take part in a chemical reaction.

Ion: An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.