Analogy to explain Kinetic Particle Theory

Example 1

A rock concert to illustrate interconversion of solid (during concert)to liquid (after concert ends) - melting


Features similar to kinetic particle model
- During concert, people are closely packed & jumping at fixed positions, just like particle in solid state
- When concert ends, people are moving disorderly sliding past each other but still closely packed, just like particles in liquid state

Assumptions:
- People are large in numbers yet small in size relative to entire concert hall. 
- People do not stick to each other upon collision.
- Each person possess kinetic energy.
- Each person moves in constant and random motion. 

Limitations:
- People are of different sizes/masses unlike particles which are of same size/mass of same substance.
- There is no force of attraction between people unlike particles which consist strong forces of attraction between them.
- People are not standing in ordered arrangement, unlike particles in solid state in ordered arrangement. 


Example 2

Soccer Match to illustrate interconversion of solid to liquid to gas

Explanation: The soccer players stand together at first like a solid, and it becomes like liquid when they take their positions on the field, then gas when they start running around.

Assumptions:
- The soccer players do not stick to each other upon collision
- The soccer players posses kinetic energy

Limitations:
- The soccer players are of different masses and sizes
- There are no forces of attraction between the players
- The players might stop moving to rest for a while, unlike particles which are in constant random motion

Example 3

ATM queuing to illustrate diffusion in liquid

Explanation:
Liquid diffuses from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration, like how people naturally choose the shortest line to stand in.

Assumptions:
- People do not stick to each other upon collision
- The people posses kinetic energy

Limitations:
- The people who are queuing are of different masses and sizes
- While waiting for their turn, the people do not move anywhere until the person in front finishes withdrawing money from the ATM, unlike particles which are in constant random motion.
- There are no forces of attraction between the people

Example 4

Comparing animals in cage and wildlife to illustrate sublimation 

Explanation:
In cages, the animals are packed tightly and in an orderly manner, like a solid. When they are released into the wild, they disperse and become like gas. The animals are also constantly moving when they are awake, like particles.

Assumptions:
- The animals do not stick to each other upon collision
- The animals posses kinetic energy

Limitations:
- The animals are not all of the same size or mass
- When the animals are resting or sleeping, they are not moving, unlike particles which are always in constant random motion.