Comprehensive Chemistry: Matter, Energy, and States of Matter

Matter

Anything that has mass or volume

Energy

The ability to do work

Potential Energy

Stored energy

Kinetic Energy

The energy associated with motion

Thermal Energy

Created by the vibration of particles

Electrical Energy

Created by the movement of electrons

Gravitational Potential Energy

Energy stored in an object based on its position in relation to the center of gravity

Mass

The amount of matter in an object

Volume

The amount of space an object takes up

Chemical Change

When at least one new substance is formed

Physical Change

When the substance changes, but the chemical composition does not

Chemical Property

Can be observed by changing the chemical composition of the substance

Physical Property

Can be observed without changing the chemical composition of the substance

Conservation of Matter

During both physical and chemical changes, matter is always conserved

Element

A form of matter that cannot be broken down into smaller substances by normal chemical means

Compound

The combination of at least two different elements

Substance

One form of matter, also called a pure substance

Mixture

At least two forms of matter physically combined

Distillation

Separated by differences in boiling points

Decantation

Separated by differences in densities

Filtration

Separated by a difference in particle size

Chromatography

Separated by differences in molecular polarity

States of Matter

The physical arrangement of the particles in a sample based on the average mass of the particles

Solid

Has a defined shape and volume

Liquid

Has indefinite shape but definite volume

Gas

Has indefinite shape and volume

Plasma

Has indefinite shape and volume with significantly higher kinetic energy than any other state of matter

Aqueous State

Applies only to a mixture where the particles of a substance are homogenously mixed with water