Matter Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering the properties of matter, atoms, mixtures, solutions, phases of matter, and phase changes.

Matter

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

Mass

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

Atoms

Tiny particles that make up matter; they are too small to see with our eyes, have their own properties, and combine to make different kinds of matter.

Substance

A particular kind of matter that has its own properties.

Mixture

A combination formed when two or more substances are mixed, 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).

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

The transition of matter between solid, liquid, and gas phases due to temperature increases or decreases, during which its mass does not change.