🌌 Master Matter & Phases Study Guide

Mass

Total amount of matter in an object; it never changes based on location.

Weight

Measure of gravitational force on an object; it changes based on gravity.

Scientific measurement

Mass is the more reliable scientific measurement that remains constant everywhere.

1 kilometer

Equals 1,000 meters.

1 meter

Equals 100 centimeters.

1 centimeter

Equals 10 millimeters.

1 kilogram

Equals 1,000 grams.

1 liter

Equals 1,000 milliliters.

Solid

Definite shape and definite volume.

Liquid

Indefinite shape and definite volume.

Gas

Indefinite shape and indefinite volume.

Solid particles

Tightly packed in a fixed, regular pattern; they vibrate in place.

Liquid particles

Close together with no regular arrangement; they slide and tumble past each other.

Gas particles

Well-separated with no regular arrangement; they move freely and rapidly.

Lowest density

Gas has the lowest density because particles are spread far apart.

Plasma

The 4th state of matter; a highly energetic, ionized gas.

Plasma properties

Conducts electricity and reacts strongly to electromagnetic fields.

Newtonian fluid

Fluid that maintains a constant viscosity regardless of applied force.

Non-Newtonian fluid

Fluid whose viscosity changes based on the applied mechanical force.

Phase change

Transition of a substance from one state of matter to another.

Physical change

All phase changes are physical changes; no new chemical substance is formed.

Energy mechanics

Substances must either absorb energy or release energy to change phases.

Law of Conservation of Energy

Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it only transfers between objects or changes form.

Melting

Solid to liquid transition; the substance absorbs energy.

Freezing

Liquid to solid transition; the substance releases energy.

Vaporization

Liquid to gas transition; the substance absorbs energy.

Condensation

Gas to liquid transition; the substance releases energy.

Sublimation

Solid to gas transition skipping the liquid state; the substance absorbs energy.

Deposition

Gas to solid transition skipping the liquid state; the substance releases energy.

Evaporation

Vaporization occurring only at the surface of a liquid; it happens below boiling point.

Boiling

Vaporization occurring throughout the entire liquid; it only happens at the boiling point.