Matter: Particle Theory, Changes, and Properties

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering the Particle Theory of Matter, states of matter, physical and chemical changes, and physical and chemical properties.

Matter

Anything that has mass and takes up space (volume), composed of tiny particles.

Particle Theory of Matter

A scientific theory summarizing that all matter is composed of tiny particles, describing the composition and behaviour of matter, the characteristics of solids, liquids, and gases, and the behaviour of particles during changes of state.

Solid (Particle Model)

A state of matter where particles have low energy and vibrate in fixed positions, held closely together in an organized arrangement with very small spaces and strong forces of attraction.

Liquid (Particle Model)

A state of matter where particles have moderate energy and can slide past one another, having small spaces between them and intermediate forces of attraction.

Gas (Particle Model)

A state of matter where particles possess high energy and move rapidly in all directions, separated by large spaces with very weak forces of attraction.

Definite Shape

A property characteristic of solids in which a substance maintains its own rigid form rather than taking the shape of its container.

Definite Volume

A property shared by solids and liquids in which matter occupies a constant, fixed amount of space regardless of container size.

Physical Change

A change in the state or form of a substance that does not alter its identity or chemical composition (e.g., melting ice, breaking glass, or evaporation).

Evaporation

A physical change process in which a substance transitions from a liquid state into a gas state without altering its chemical identity.

Clues of a Physical Change

Indicators showing that a physical change occurred, including: no new substance is produced, any colour change is temporary, and the change is reversible.

Chemical Change

A change in which the starting substance is converted into one or more new substances with different properties than the starting substance (e.g., cooking, rusting, or burning).

Rusting

An example of a chemical change where iron reacts with oxygen and moisture to form a new substance with properties different from the original metal.

Light Emission (Chemical Change Clue)

The release of visible light during a reaction (such as burning magnesium), providing evidence of a chemical change.

Gas Bubble Formation (Chemical Change Clue)

The emergence of gas bubbles in a liquid reaction mixture, indicating that a new gaseous substance is being produced chemically.

Precipitate

A solid that forms inside a liquid solution during a reaction, indicating that a chemical change has occurred.

Clues of a Chemical Change

Observable evidence that a new substance has formed, including: permanent colour change, light given off, change in temperature, change in odor, formation of gas bubbles, formation of a precipitate, or difficulty reversing the change.

Physical Property

A characteristic used to help identify a substance without changing its chemical composition.

Qualitative Physical Property

A physical property that is described using words and observations rather than numerical measurements (e.g., colour, smell, texture).

Quantitative Physical Property

A physical property that is measured and expressed using numerical values and units (e.g., mass, volume, boiling point).

Chemical Property

A characteristic that describes how a substance behaves or reacts with another substance (e.g., ability to react with water, oxygen, acids, or other substances).

Flammable

A chemical property describing the ability of a substance to react with oxygen and burn.

Combustible

A chemical property describing the ability of a substance to react with oxygen and ignite.