States of Matter and Density Lecture Notes

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the particle model of matter, characteristics of different states of matter (solid, liquid, gas, plasma, Bose-Einstein condensate), density calculations, and the research of physicist Tim Atherton.

Matter

A substance that is made of particles which have space between them, are always moving, and are attracted to each other.

Particle Model

A set of five statements: 1. All matter is made of particles; 2. Particles have space between them; 3. Particles are always moving; 4. Particles move faster and get farther apart when heated; 5. Particles are attracted to each other.

Properties

The characteristics of a substance that describe what it looks like and how it behaves.

Solid

A state of matter where particles are closely packed in a regular arrangement, vibrate in fixed positions, and have very strong forces between them; it has a fixed shape and volume.

Liquid

A state of matter where particles are loosely arranged but close together, can slide past each other, and have small spaces between them; it has a fixed volume but no fixed shape.

Gas

A state of matter where particles have no particular arrangement, move very fast in very big spaces, and have very, very weak forces between them; it has no fixed shape or volume and can be squashed.

Pressure

The force caused by gas particles colliding with the inside of a container and with each other; it increases as more particles are added to the container.

Plasma

A state of matter mentioned as a distinct category alongside solids, liquids, and gases.

Bose-Einstein Condensate

A state of matter mentioned in the science notes as the 'ABC' of science states.

Tim Atherton

An Associate Professor of Physics at Tufts University and co-organizer of the national LGBT+ physicists group who researches the fundamental physics of soft matter.

Soft Matter

A broad class of materials including soaps, foams, gels, and plastics that are readily deformable at room temperature and combine properties of both fluids and solids.

Density

The amount of mass per unit volume; it describes how closely packed the particles are in a solid, liquid, or gas.

Density Equation

$p = \frac{m}{V}$, where $(p)$ is density, $(m)$ is mass, and $(V)$ is volume.

Kilograms per metre cubed ($kg/m^3$)

The standard unit of measurement for density ($p$).

Kilograms ($kg$)

The unit of measurement used for mass ($m$) in the density calculation.

Metres cubed ($m^3$)

The unit of measurement used for volume ($V$) in the density calculation.