Matter and its Properties

Matter

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

Solid

Has a fixed shape and volume. Particles are tightly packed and vibrate in place.

Liquid

Has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container. Particles are close but can slide past each other.

Gas

Has no definite shape or volume. Particles are far apart and move freely.

Plasma

A high-energy state of matter where gas particles are ionized (electrically charged). Found in stars and lightning.

Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC)

• Matter at extremely cold temperatures - absolute zero = 0 degrees Kelvin

• Not possible to create on Earth

• Discovered by Bose and Einstein

Physical Properties

Properties that can be observed or measured without changing the substance's identity.

Color

The visual appearance or shade of a substance.

Texture

How a surface feels (smooth, rough, soft, etc.).

Temperature

The measure of heat or thermal energy.

Mass

The amount of matter in an object.

Volume

The space an object takes up.

Density

Mass per unit volume (D = m/v).

Luster

How shiny or reflective a substance is.

Ductility

The ability to be stretched into wires.

Malleability

The ability to be shaped or hammered without breaking.

Melting/Freezing Point

Temperature where a solid becomes liquid (melting) or vice versa (freezing).

Boiling/Condensation Point

Temperature where a liquid turns to gas (boiling) or gas to liquid (condensation).

Solubility

Ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent.

State (Phase) of Matter

Whether the substance is solid, liquid, gas, plasma, or BEC.

Chemical Properties

Describe how a substance reacts with other substances and changes its identity.

Reactivity with Oxygen

The ability of a material or substance (usually metals) to react with oxygen and cause them to rust, tarnish, or combust, spark or create a flame or light.

Reactivity with Water

The property of a substance that describes whether or not it is reactive with water

Reactivity with Acids or Bases

How substances react with acids or bases (e.g., fizzing with vinegar).

Combustion or Flammability

How easily a substance catches fire.

Chemical Formula

A representation of a substance using element symbols and numbers (e.g., H₂O, CO₂).

Intensive Properties

Do not depend on the amount of matter.

Extensive Properties

Depend on the amount of matter.

Weight

Force due to gravity on mass.

Length

Distance or size of the object.

Entropy

Measure of disorder or randomness.