Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.
Anything around us and in the entire universe can be classified as either matter on energy.
The Particle Theory of Matter:
The particle theory of matter explains the following scientific phenomena:
B.
Properties: Information about a substance
that describe it and that helps us identify it.
Characteristic Physical Properties - are physical properties that can be used to
identify a substance because they never change. Example: The density of
water is always 1.00 g/mL at room temperature.
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Solid State |
Particles of a typical solid |
1.SOLID STATE Particles of solids are held in place by strong electrostatic forces and are densely packed together. Particles of solids vibrate constantly due to their internal energy but they cannot move from one place to another. Particles of solids possess only vibrational energy. |
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Liquid
State: |
Particles of a typical liquid |
2. LIQUID STATE Particles of liquids are kept together by forces of attraction that are weaker than those of solid particles. Within the walls of the container they can move from place to place bumping into the sides of the container and into other particles. This type of energy is called translational energy. This energy gives a liquid the ability to flow and be poured and to spread when a liquid is spilled. Liquid particles also have vibrational energy. |
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Gaseous State:
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Brownian Motion demonstrating possible motion of tiny solids particles suspended in air (a gas) and indirectly showing the motion of particles of gases. |
3. GAS STATE Particles of gases are "more rarefied" than either liquids or solids. This means that the forces of attraction that hold them together are very weak and that the spaces between them are much larger than the spaces between solid and liquid particles. Particles of gases can move from place to place within a container bumping against the walls of the container and against other particles. They rotate and vibrate at the same time. Particles of gases have rotational, translational and vibrational energy. This explains why they can escape from a container very easily and they can put pressure on the side of the container (example a balloon or a tire). |
D. Physical Properties of Each State:
|
PROPERTY |
SOLID |
LIQUID |
GAS |
|
shape |
fixed |
same as container (indefinite) |
same as container (indefinite) |
|
volume |
definite |
definite |
fills entire container (indefinite) |
|
ability to flow |
no |
yes |
yes |
|
can be compressed |
very slightly |
very slightly |
yes |
|
volume change with heating |
very small |
small |
large |
E. Describing Matter
Intensive Properties: properties that do not depend on the amount of matter. Some examples are: colour, odour, density, melting point
Extensive Properties: properties that do depend on the amount of matter. Some examples are: mass and volume
Characteristic Physical: Properties: properties that are unique for each substance and are used to identify the substance itself.
F. How to Describe Matter (Qualitative & Quantitative Observations)
1. Physical State: solid, liquid, gas.
2. Colour: green, blue, yellow, black, reddish-brown, etc.
3. Odour: odourless, flowery, spicy, nauseating, etc.
4. Clarity: clear, cloudy, opaque.
5. Luster: shiny, dull.
6. Form: regular (crystalline), irregular (amorphous)
7. Texture: how does it feel? fine, coarse, smooth, waxy, etc.
8. Hardness: can it be scratched easily? scale from 1-10
(e.g.
talcum powder-1, diamond-10)
9. Brittleness: can it break apart or shatter easily? brittle or flexible
10. Malleability: can it be bent and folded into different shapes? malleable or non-malleable
11. Ductility: can it be stretched out into a long wire? ductile or non-ductile
12. Viscosity: can the substance flow? viscous or non-viscous
G. Chemical Properties:
Properties of a substance that we observe when it reacts or does not react with other substances
iron rusts in moist air, gold does not
hydrogen burns in oxygen, but nitrogen does not
zinc reacts with acid, but glass does not
| Physical Change | Chemical Change | |
| Definition |
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| Properties |
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| Examples |
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When a state of matter gains or looses heat it undergoes a change.
A gain in heat is called an endothermic change. A loss in heat is called an exothermic change.
The table below summarizes the six changes of states that matter can undergo and tells you if heat is added or removed for the change to take place.
| Change | From | To | Heat | Examples |
| Sublimation | solid | gas or vapour | added = endothermic | Moth crystals disappear when left in a closet for several days |
| Sublimation | gas or vapour | solid | removed = exothermic | frost forms on a car's windshield |
| Evaporation or vapourization | liquid | gas | added = endothermic | Rain dries up when the sun comes out |
| Melting or Liquefaction | solid | liquid | added = endothermic |
![]() An ice cube turns into water when left out of the freezer |
| Freezing or Solidification | liquid | solid | removed = exothermic |
![]() A bottle of water will turn into ice if left in the freezer |
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Condensation |
gas or vapour | liquid | removed = exothermic | Drops of water form on the mirror when taking a hot shower |
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