States of Matter, Particles, and Basic Chemistry Review

100 Question-and-Answer flashcards covering states of matter, particle theory, changes of state, measuring instruments, the water cycle, atomic structure, elements, compounds, mixtures, metals, non-metals, alloys, and related fundamental chemistry concepts.

What are the three common states of matter?

Solid, liquid, and gas.

Which state of matter has a definite shape?

Solid.

Which two states of matter can flow or pour?

Liquid and gas.

Which state of matter can be compressed easily?

Gas.

Do solids change volume easily?

No, solids do not change volume.

Describe the particle arrangement in a solid.

Particles are tightly packed in a fixed position and only vibrate.

Describe the particle arrangement in a liquid.

Particles are close together but can slide past each other.

Describe the particle arrangement in a gas.

Particles are far apart and move freely in all directions.

How strong are the forces between particles in a solid?

Strong forces hold the particles tightly together.

How strong are the forces between particles in a liquid compared with in a solid?

Weaker than in a solid but still present.

How strong are the forces between particles in a gas?

Very weak forces between particles.

What is the process called when a solid becomes a liquid?

Melting.

What is the process called when a liquid becomes a gas?

Boiling or evaporation.

What is the process called when a gas becomes a liquid?

Condensation.

What is the process called when a liquid becomes a solid?

Freezing.

Define melting point.

The temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid.

Define boiling point.

The temperature at which a liquid turns into a gas.

What is the melting point of water?

0 °C.

What is the boiling point of water?

100 °C.

According to particle theory, what happens to particles when a substance is heated?

Particles gain kinetic energy, move or vibrate more, and attractive forces weaken or break.

According to particle theory, what happens to particles when a substance is cooled?

Particles lose kinetic energy, move more slowly, and attractive forces strengthen.

Name two instruments used to measure in chemistry labs described in the notes.

Measuring (graduated) cylinder and thermometer.

Where should you read the volume in a measuring cylinder?

At eye level from the bottom of the meniscus.

Why should the thermometer bulb be fully submerged in a substance?

To obtain an accurate temperature reading.

List the four main stages of the water cycle.

Evaporation (including transpiration), condensation, precipitation, and collection.

What tiny particle is the basic building block of matter?

Atom.

What three subatomic particles make up an atom?

Protons, neutrons, and electrons.

What is the charge of a proton?

Positive (+).

What is the charge of an electron?

Negative (−).

What is the charge of a neutron?

Neutral (0).

What does the atomic number represent?

The total number of protons (and also electrons in a neutral atom).

What is an ion according to the notes?

An atom that always has a positive (+) charge.

What defines an element?

A substance made of one type of atom.

Why do different elements have different properties?

Because they are composed of different types of atoms.

What defines a compound?

A substance made of different types of atoms bonded together that cannot be separated by physical means.

What defines a mixture?

A substance made of different types of atoms not bonded together that can be separated.

Give an example of how to name a compound composed of two elements.

Metal name + non-metal name + “ide.”

How would you name a compound containing three elements, one of which is oxygen?

Metal name + non-metal name + “ate.”

What percentages of nitrogen and oxygen are in air?

78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen.

Give one physical property that distinguishes metals from non-metals.

Metals are shiny; non-metals are dull.

Are metals typically malleable or brittle?

Malleable.

Do non-metals typically have high or low melting points?

Low melting points.

Are metals generally good conductors or insulators?

Good conductors.

Are non-metals sonorous?

No, non-metals are not sonorous.

Give one property that is common to gases but not to liquids or solids.

Gases can be compressed easily.

What is an alloy?

A mixture of two or more different metals with no bonding between unlike atoms.

Why are alloys often stronger than pure metals?

Different-sized atoms disrupt regular layers, preventing them from sliding easily.

Name one advantage of using an alloy over a pure metal.

Increased corrosion resistance (e.g., stainless steel).

How does the structure of an alloy differ from that of a pure metal?

The regular layers of atoms are disrupted by different atoms in an alloy.

Do alloys usually have a sharp melting point?

No, they often have lower or wider melting ranges.

Give one reason alloys are designed for use.

To improve strength and hardness.

What is the term for a metal that can be drawn into wires?

Ductile.

Are non-metals typically magnetic?

No, none are magnetic.

Which type of change of state adds energy to a substance: melting or freezing?

Melting.

Which change of state removes energy from a substance: condensation or evaporation?

Condensation.

Does transpiration contribute to evaporation in the water cycle?

Yes, it releases water vapor from plants.

What happens to particle speed as kinetic energy increases?

Particle speed increases.

What instrument should be read at eye level when measuring liquid volume?

Measuring cylinder.

Where is the meniscus located when reading volume?

The curved upper surface of the liquid.

What property makes metals sonorous?

Their ability to produce a ringing sound when struck.

Are solids easily compressible?

No, solids resist compression.

Name one physical property of a gas that allows it to fill any container.

Gases expand to fill the available space.

Which state of matter has fixed volume but no fixed shape?

Liquid.

What is meant by the term ‘malleable’?

Able to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking.

What is meant by the term ‘brittle’?

Likely to break or shatter instead of bending.

What charge would an ion with more protons than electrons have?

A positive charge.

What is the primary reason alloys are less malleable than pure metals?

Disrupted layers hinder the sliding of atoms.

Give two examples of special properties that alloys can be tailored to have.

Magnetism or heat resistance.

Are alloys generally more or less conductive than pure metals?

Usually less conductive.

What is corrosion?

The chemical reaction, often with oxygen and moisture, that deteriorates a metal.

Which resists corrosion better: pure iron or stainless steel?

Stainless steel (an alloy).

Does the water cycle ever end?

No, it is a continuous repeating cycle.

What happens to particle spacing when a liquid turns into a gas?

Particles move farther apart.

During freezing, do particles gain or lose kinetic energy?

They lose kinetic energy.

What is the defining feature of a compound that distinguishes it from a mixture?

Atoms are chemically bonded in a compound.

Is oxygen a metal or non-metal?

Non-metal.

Is iron a metal or non-metal?

Metal.

Which has a higher density on average: metals or non-metals?

Metals.

What is meant by ‘ductile’?

Capable of being drawn into wires.

Which part of an atom has negligible mass?

The electron.

Which subatomic particle determines the identity of an element?

The proton (atomic number).

Name one everyday example of an alloy.

Stainless steel (iron, chromium, nickel).

Explain why air is considered a mixture.

Its gases are not chemically bonded and can be separated.

Give one property of a non-metal that makes it useful as an insulator.

Poor electrical conductivity.

At the boiling point, what two states of matter coexist?

Liquid and gas.

At the melting point, what two states of matter coexist?

Solid and liquid.

Why does a measuring cylinder have graduations?

To allow precise volume measurement.

Which state of matter generally has the highest density?

Solid (with some exceptions like water).

Which type of change is boiling: physical or chemical?

Physical change.

Which type of change is rusting: physical or chemical?

Chemical change.

Name a metal property improved by alloying that helps in construction.

Strength and hardness.

What prevents layers of atoms from sliding in alloys?

Different-sized atoms create lattice distortions.

Define ‘sonorous.’

Able to produce a ringing sound when struck.

What is the usual state of water at 25 °C and 1 atm?

Liquid.

Does condensation release or absorb heat?

Releases heat.

Does evaporation release or absorb heat?

Absorbs heat.

Name the stage of the water cycle where water collects underground.

Collection (in aquifers).

Does solid carbon dioxide sublimate or melt at room temperature?

Sublimates directly to gas.

What is a graduated cylinder also called?

Measuring cylinder.

Why are alloys sometimes cheaper than pure metals?

Less expensive metals can be combined to lower cost.