Matter and Its Properties

Matter Definition

Any object that has mass

Matter is often changed from one form to another. 

Mass Definition

is a measure of the amount of matter contained in a defined object.

Weight Definition and Notes

Weight is the force exerted on an object by gravity.

Defined by mass and gravity

A property definition

A property is a distinguishing feature we give to matter. Properties can be physical or chemical.

A physical property definition and notes

A physical property is a property that can be observed without changing the chemical identity of the substance.

Their chemical composition does not change when the physical properties don’t. 

Attribute definition

A physical property that is attribute can observed/measured about a defined object with mass. 

Common physical properties include:

• Temperature 

• Mass 

• Volume 

• Density 

• Colour 

• Taste 

• Odor 

• Hardness 

• Boiling/melting point 

A chemical property

A chemical property is a characteristic or attribute that relates to the reactivity or transformation of matter.

Common Chemical Properties

Rusting

Tarnishing

Explosion

Combustion

Oxidation/Respiration

Inertness

Solid

Object always keeps its shape

Liquids

Object occupies a given space and volume and takes on the

shape of surrounding container.

Gas

Object has no definable shape or volume, expands to occupy its surrounding container

Density of molecules between bulk properties

At the molecular level, note the density / spacing of the particles. Highest in solids and lowest in gases.

Molecular Arrangements

Crystalline or Amorphous

Divisions of matter

Substance or mixture

Substance

Matter composed of one type of thing

Mixture

Matter composed of many things

Divisions of substances

Element or compound

Element

Matter composed of one type of atom

Compound

Matter composed of one type of molecule

Divisions of a mixture

Homogenous or heterogynous

Homogeous mixture

Defined mixture everywhere in the object

Such as crystals

Heterogynous mixture

Non uniform composition of an object

Density

Density measures the amount of particles in a given state.

Density units

Density is measured in grams per cm3.

Changing density

For water, density decreases in a solid state, as the water expands

Displacement of water to measure density

Volume measured by water displacement.

Volume initial – volume final = volume of object.

Mass/volume = density