kinetic theory of matter

noun

Physics.

1. a theory that matter is composed of small particles, all in random motion.

Example Sentences

Another example of the gyrostatic domination discussed in "Thomson and Tait" is given in the very remarkable address entitled "A Kinetic Theory of Matter," which Sir William Thomson delivered to Section A of the British Association at Montreal, in 1884.

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As a step toward kinetic theory of matter, it is certainly most interesting to remark that in the quasi-elasticity, elasticity looking like that of an India-rubber band, which we see in a vibrating smoke-ring launched from an elliptic aperture, or in two smoke-rings which were circular, but which have become deformed from circularity by mutual collision, we have in reality a virtual elasticity in matter devoid of elasticity, and even devoid of rigidity, the virtual elasticity being due to motion, and generated by the generation of motion.

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These words, embedded in a hopeless mass of unintelligible statements of the physical, metaphysical, and theological philosophies of the day, and unsupported by any explanation, elucidation, or illustration throughout the rest of the three volumes, and only marred by any other single sentence or word to be found in the great book, still do express a distinct conception which forms a most remarkable step toward the kinetic theory of matter.

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To return to elasticity: if we could make out of matter devoid of elasticity a combined system of relatively moving parts which, in virtue of motion, has the essential characteristics of an elastic body, this would surely be, if not positively a step in the kinetic theory of matter, at least a fingerpost pointing a way which we may hope will lead to a kinetic theory of matter.

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