Particle Theory and Classification of Matter

This flashcard set covers the vocabulary and core concepts of the particle theory of matter, states of matter including plasma and condensates, classification of substances and mixtures, and physical versus chemical properties.

Atoms

The smallest unit of matter.

Molecules

Groups of two or more atoms that are chemically bonded.

Ions

Particles that have gained or lost one or more of their valence electrons.

Intermolecular force of attraction

The force known for attracting particles of matter to one another; it varies between the three states of matter.

Solid

State of matter with a fixed shape and definite volume because they cannot be compressed due to small inter particle distances.

Liquid

State of matter with a fixed volume due to strong inter particle forces of attraction, but not strong enough to keep particles in a fixed position.

Gas

State of matter with neither a definite shape nor a definite volume, but highly compressible due to large inter particle spaces.

Diffusion (Solid-state)

An extremely slow process due to its lowest KE (Kinetic Energy).

Plasma

The "fourth state of matter"; an electrically charged gas composed of free-moving electrons, often created by adding extra energy due to high temperature.

Bose-Einstein Condensate

The "fifth state of matter"; a form of matter where extremely cold atoms demonstrate collective behavior and act like a single "super atom."

Fermionic Condensates

The "sixth state of matter"; a superfluid phase formed by fermionic particles at low temperatures using fermions instead of bosons.

Pure Substance

Matter with constant composition containing only one type of particle, such as all atoms of the same element or identical molecules of a compound.

Mixture

A combination of two or more substances that are physically combined but not chemically bonded, possessing variable composition and no fixed melting or boiling point.

Homogeneous Mixture

A mixture where components are uniformly distributed throughout, appearing as a single phase; also called solutions.

Solvent

The component of a solution that dissolves the other component.

Solute

The components of a solution that are dissolved in the solvent.

Heterogeneous Mixture

Mixtures consisting of distinct substances that do not have a uniform composition.

Suspensions

Heterogeneous mixtures with solid particles large enough to settle out when left undisturbed.

Colloids

Mixtures where particle size is intermediate between solutions and suspensions, and particles do not settle out.

Physical Properties

Properties that can be observed without changing the identity or chemical composition of the substance.

Intensive Property

A physical property of a substance that remains the same regardless of how much of the substance is present.

Extensive Property

A physical property that depends on the amount of matter present, such as mass, volume, or length.

Chemical Properties

Properties determined only by changing the molecular structure or chemical composition of the substance, such as reactivity with acid, flammability, and toxicity.