Classification of Matter and Its Properties

Flashcards covering the classification of matter, particle theory, states of matter, pure substances versus mixtures, physical and chemical properties, and physical and chemical changes.

Matter

Anything that has mass and volume.

Particle Theory of Matter

1) All matter is made up of tiny particles; 2) Each pure substance has its own kind of particle, which is different from the particles of other pure substances; 3) Particles attract each other; 4) Particles are always moving; 5) The higher the temperature, the faster the movement and the more space between particles.

Gas

A state of matter where particles are spread out and far apart, taking the shape of their container and having an indefinite volume (e.g., oxygen, gas).

Liquid

A state of matter where particles have more room to move relatively easily while remaining close together, possessing a definite volume (e.g., tea).

Solid

A state of matter where particles vibrate in place and are held very close together with strong attraction, having a definite volume (e.g., wood block).

Element

A pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler parts by chemical or physical methods (e.g., copper, helium).

Compound

A pure substance made of two or more elements that are chemically combined and can be separated using chemical methods (e.g., water, table salt).

Mechanical (Heterogeneous) Mixture

A mixture where the components are not evenly distributed, allowing the different components to be seen (e.g., salad, cereal).

Solution (Homogeneous Mixture)

A mixture where the components are evenly distributed such that you cannot see the different components, making it appear as a single substance (e.g., juice, paint).

Classification of Matter

The division of matter into two primary categories: Mixtures (which branch into Solutions and Mechanical Mixtures) and Pure Substances (which branch into Elements and Compounds).

Physical Property

A characteristic of a substance that can be observed and measured without changing the identity of the substance (e.g., colour, density, melting point, boiling point).

Qualitative Property

A physical property of matter that can be observed and described without detailed or physical measurement (e.g., taste, luster, odor, blue color).

Quantitative Property

A physical property of matter that can be measured and assigned a specific numerical value (e.g., viscosity, boiling point, melting point).

Chemical Property

A characteristic describing the ability of a substance to react and form a new substance (e.g., flammability, supports combustion, reacts with acid, reacts with water, reacts with air).

Physical Change

A change where a substance alters its identity, form, or appearance without forming a new substance; the particles stay the same and the change is reversible (e.g., change in shape or form, ice melting, $NaCl$ dissolving in water, alcohol evaporating).

Chemical Change

A change in which the original substance is permanently altered, resulting in a new substance with different particles (e.g., burning wood, baking soda reacting with vinegar, iron rusting).

Clues of a Chemical Change

Four distinct indicators that a chemical reaction has taken place: 1) A new colour appears; 2) Heat or light is given off or absorbed; 3) Bubbles of gas are formed; 4) A precipitate is formed in a liquid.

Precipitate

An insoluble solid that forms within a liquid solution, serving as one of the four clues that a chemical change has occurred.