Matter in Our Surroundings

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the physical properties, states, and behaviors of matter as discussed in chemistry.

Matter

Anything that occupies space and possesses mass.

Physical Nature of Matter

Matter is made up of particles that have spaces between them, are continuously moving, and attract each other.

Diffusion

The intermixing of particles of two substances on their own, which is fastest in gases and slowest in solids.

Kinetic Molecular Theory

A theory proposing that matter is composed of small particles (molecules) with empty spaces between them, moving with kinetic energy.

Latent Heat

The heat given to a system during a phase change that does not increase the temperature.

Melting Point

The temperature at which a solid changes to a liquid at atmospheric pressure.

Boiling Point

The temperature at which a liquid boils and changes into gas at atmospheric pressure.

Sublimation

The process of a solid changing directly into a gas without passing through a liquid state.

Freezing Point

The temperature at which a liquid changes into a solid at atmospheric pressure.

Intermolecular Forces

Forces of attraction between molecules that determine the state of matter (solid, liquid, gas).