Classifying and Describing Matter

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the observable physical properties of matter, including measurement tools, units, and classification methods of classification.

Physical Property

An observable, measurable characteristic of matter that can be observed with the senses or measured with scientific tools.

Temperature

A measure of how much thermal energy (or heat) matter has, measured with a thermometer in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.

Mass

The amount of matter in an object, which can be measured with a balance or scale in grams ($g$), milligrams ($mg$), or kilograms ($kg$).

Volume

The measurement of how much space matter takes up, typically measured in milliliters ($mL$) or $cm^3$ .

Magnetism

A physical property describing whether matter is attracted to a magnet.

SINC

An acronym representing magnetic metals: steel, iron, nickel, and cobalt.

Non-magnetic materials

Examples of matter not attracted to magnets, including wood, paper, brass, and copper.

Relative Density

An observable property describing whether an object sinks or floats in water.

Less Dense

A classification for an object that floats in water.

More Dense

A classification for an object that sinks in water.

Physical State

The classification of matter as a solid, liquid, or gas.