matter

What is matter?

Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.

What is matter made of?

Matter is made of very small particles called atoms.

How do atoms behave?

Atoms are constantly in motion. They move faster at higher temperatures.

What are the three common states (phases) of matter?

The three common states (phases) of matter are solid, liquid, and gas.

Explain the law of conservation of Energy/matter.

Energy and matter can not be created or destroyed but it changes from one form to another.

Describe the characteristics of a solid.

In a solid:

• Particles close together
• Definite volume
• Definite mass

Give examples of solids.

Examples of solids include tables, chairs, cars, and shoes.

Describe the characteristics of a liquid.

In a liquid:

• Particles further apart
• Definite volume but no definite shape
• Takes the shape of its container

Give examples of liquids.

Examples of liquids include milk, juice, water, and soda.

Describe the characteristics of a gas.

In a gas:

• Particles very far apart
• No definite shape or volume
• Can be compressed into a container

Give examples of gases.

Examples of gases include Air and helium.

Describe the characteristics of plasma.

Plasma exhibits:

• High electrical conductivity
• Extreme hot temperature that separates the electrons from the nucleus of an atom

Give examples of plasma.

Examples of plasma include the Sun (stars) and lightning.

How are substances classified?

A substance may be classified as an element, a compound, or a mixture.

Define an element.

An element is a pure substance that has its own unique type of atom (e.g., oxygen, carbon, hydrogen).

Describe the atoms of an element.

The atoms of any element are alike but are different from atoms of other elements by the number of protons in the nucleus.

Define a compound.

A compound is a pure substance that consists of atoms of 2 or more elements chemically bonded in a fixed ratio (e.g., H2O, C6H12O6).

What is the smallest particle of a compound?

The smallest particle of a compound is a molecule.

How can compounds be separated?

Compounds can only be separated by a chemical process.

Define a mixture.

A mixture consists of two or more substances that are not chemically combined (e.g., sand and salt, water and sugar).

How can the different substances in a mixture be separated?

The different substances in a mixture can be separated by some physical means.