States and Properties of Matter

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definition of matter, solid characteristics, crystalline vs amorphous solids, and physical properties.

Matter

The "stuff" of which the universe is composed, which has two characteristics: it has mass and it occupies space.

Solid

A state of matter characterized by having a definite volume and shape, high density, and molecules that vibrate about fixed positions.

Crystalline Solid

A category of solid that possesses a rigid and ordered internal structure, where its atoms, molecules, or ions occupy specific positions, and features a sharp melting point.

Amorphous Solid

A category of solid that lacks a well-defined arrangement and long-range molecular order, and whose melting occurs over a wide range of temperature.

Physical Properties

Characteristics of a substance that can be observed or measured without changing its chemical composition.