Matter Study Guide

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering fundamental concepts of matter, atoms, mixtures, solutions, phases of matter, and phase changes based on the Matter Study Guide.

Matter

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

Mass

The measurement of the amount of matter in an object, often measured using a balance.

Balance

A tool often used to measure an object's mass.

Atoms

Tiny particles that make up matter; they have different kinds with unique properties and are too small to see with human eyes.

Substance

A particular kind of matter that has its own properties.

Mixture

A combination formed when two or more substances are mixed together but both keep their physical properties (for example, a mud puddle or concrete).

Solution

A type of mixture in which one substance dissolves in a liquid (for example, sugar water, salt water, and soda).

Phases of Matter

The three different forms in which matter can exist: solid, liquid, or gas.

Solid

A phase of matter that holds its shape when placed in a container.

Liquid

A phase of matter that takes the shape of its container.

Gas

A phase of matter that spreads to fill the entire container.

Phase Change (Temperature Increase)

The process where many kinds of matter change phases from a solid to a liquid to a gas as temperature rises.

Phase Change (Temperature Decrease)

The process where matter changes phases from a gas to a liquid to a solid as temperature drops.

Conservation of Mass during Phase Changes

The principle that an object's mass stays the same and does not gain or lose mass when it changes phases.