Molecules and Matter

What is matter?

Anything that has mass and occupies space.

Define a molecule.

A group of two or more atoms that are chemically bonded together.

Describe the characteristics of solids in terms of shape and volume.

Solids have a fixed shape and volume, with particles closely packed together that vibrate in place.

What is the shape and volume of liquids?

Liquids have a fixed volume but take the shape of the container, with particles less tightly packed than in solids.

How do gas particles behave?

Gas particles are far apart, move freely, and have neither a fixed shape nor a fixed volume.

What is conductivity?

The ability to conduct electricity or heat.

Define density in scientific terms.

Mass per unit volume.

How do particles behave in a solid?

They are closely packed together and vibrate in place.

In liquids, how do the particles compare to those in solids?

They are less tightly packed and can flow past each other.

What shapes can gases take?

Gases have neither fixed shape nor fixed volume.

What is a key property of substances relating to how they can be measured?

Density (mass per unit volume).