chem

States of Matter

States of Matter

Matter exists in three primary states:solid, liquid, and gas, determined by particle arrangement and energy.

Solid

A state of matter where particles are tightly packed in a fixed arrangement, having a definite shape and volume.

Liquid

A state of matter where particles are close but can move past each other, having a definite volume but no definite shape.

Gas

A state of matter where particles are far apart and move freely, having neither a definite shape nor a definite volume.

Properties of Matter

Characteristics of matter, including physical properties (e.g., melting point, boiling point, density) and chemical properties (e.g., reactivity, flammability).

Diffusion

The process by which particles spread from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, occurring in gases and liquids.

Heating Curve

A graph showing how the temperature of a substance changes as it is heated, with flat sections indicating state changes.

Cooling Curve

A graph showing how the temperature decreases as a substance is cooled, with flat sections during freezing or condensation.

Kinetic Particle Theory

A theory explaining particle behavior in different states of matter, stating that particles vibrate, move around, or are widely spaced depending on the state.

Boyle's Law

A gas law stating that pressure is inversely proportional to volume when temperature is constant (\( P_1V_1 = P_2V_2 \)).

Charles's Law

A gas law stating that volume is directly proportional to temperature (in Kelvin) when pressure is constant (\( \frac{V_1}{T_1} = \frac{V_2}{T_2} \)).

Atoms

The basic units of matter, with each element made of one type of atom.

Molecules

Two or more atoms bonded together, such as \( \text{O}_2 \) (oxygen molecule).

Element

A substance made up of only one type of atom.

Compound

A substance made up of two or more types of atoms chemically bonded together, like water (\( \text{H}_2\text{O} \)).

Mixtures

Combinations of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded.

Homogeneous Mixtures

Mixtures that are uniform throughout, such as saltwater.

Heterogeneous Mixtures

Mixtures where different components are visible, like salad.

Suspension

A heterogeneous mixture where particles are dispersed but not dissolved and may settle over time (e.g., sand in water).

Colloid

A heterogeneous mixture where particles are small enough that they don't settle out (e.g., milk).

Separating Funnel

A tool used to separate immiscible liquids that do not mix, like oil and water.

Simple Distillation

A technique used to separate a liquid from a solution based on different boiling points.

Fractional Distillation

A method used to separate a mixture of liquids with different boiling points, such as separating ethanol from water.

Sublimation

A process where a solid changes directly into a gas, used to separate substances like iodine.

Centrifugation

A separation technique that spins mixtures at high speed, causing denser substances to move outward (e.g., separating cream from milk).

Chromatography

A method used to separate different substances in a mixture based on their movement on a stationary surface (e.g., separating colors in ink).

Evaporation

A process that removes a solvent to leave a solute behind.

Crystallization

A process that allows a solute to form crystals as the solvent evaporates slowly.