Solutions and Mixtures

Matter

Anything that has mass and takes up space (volume).

Solid

A state of matter that keeps its shape, such as textbooks.

Liquid

A state of matter that flows and takes the shape of its container, like water.

Gas

A state of matter that spreads out and fills the space available, like air freshener.

Particle Theory

The theory stating that all matter is made up of tiny particles.

Pure Substance

Matter made of only one type of particle, for example, distilled water.

Mixture

A combination of two or more substances that are not chemically combined, such as cereal.

Physical Change

A change where no new substance is formed, illustrated by ice melting into water.

Particle Behaviour

Particles are always moving or vibrating, held together by attractive forces.

Solids

Particles are tightly packed in a fixed pattern, with a fixed volume and low compressibility.

Liquids

Particles are close together and slide past each other; they have a fixed volume but no fixed shape.

Gas

Particles are far apart and move quickly; gases have no fixed shape or volume and are easily compressed.

Buoyancy

The ability of an object to float on water or another fluid.

Density

The amount of matter in a given volume; more particles equals more density.

Surface Tension

An elastic-like force on the surface of water that allows small objects to walk on it without sinking.

Volume

The amount of 3D space occupied by an object or substance.

Immiscible Liquids

A mixture of two or more liquids that do not mix, like in a density column.

Surfactant

A substance that reduces the surface tension of a liquid.

Measuring Volume

Can be done using a graduated cylinder, volumetric flask, or measuring cylinder.

Density Formula

Density = Mass/Volume.

Meniscus

The curved upper surface of a liquid column in a container.

Controlled Variable

A variable that is kept constant throughout an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment; it changes as the independent variable changes.

Independent Variable

The factor changed in an investigation to see how it affects another factor.

Prediction

A statement that suggests what will happen in an experiment.

Mass

The amount of matter in a substance, measured in grams, kilograms, or tonnes.

Zero Error

When a measurement does not start at the zero point.

Parallax Error

An observational mistake occurring when an object or scale is read from an angle rather than straight on.