Without using technical terms, write a short statement describing ...

[lidoalex]

Without using technical terms, write a short statement describing what is occurring on the sub-microscopic (particulate) level as the alcohol disappears.
 
  Your statement should be consistent with both your macroscopic observations and with the idea that matter is made up of particles that are too small to see. Your statement should be based only on what you can directly conclude from your observations, not on previous knowledge.

Question 2

In this class we will use the phrase sub-microscopic particle for several activities before formally introducing the term atom. In order to not misuse the term atom, you should avoid using it until then.
 
  Why do you think we start off using the term sub-microscopic particle? What is it about the term that is more self-explanatory (or descriptive) than the term atom?

[tennis14576]

Answer to Question 1

The particles of alcohol left the puddle one at a time. The particles of the alcohol were too small to be seen (so the puddle seemed to slowly disappear) but in fact the particles entered the air as was evident by the observation of the odor of alcohol which increased as the size of the puddle decreased. Note: If students use words like evaporate remind them that these are technical words and it is easy to hide behind them without really knowing what they imply on a sub-microscopic level. Ask them to explain what is happening to the particles when a liquid evaporates.

Answer to Question 2

The term sub-microscopic particle is a descriptive term that provides insight into the nature of the object being described by referring to its size. In contrast, the term atom is a typical example of scientific jargon that can often obscure meaning.

[lidoalex]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[scottmt]

Excellent