Physics-Matter

Physics-Matter

A.   Describing Matter

What is matter?

Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. Most things are made of matter. The air you breathe and the book you are reading are made of matter. Light and heat are not matter, however. They do not take up space. One way to describe matter is by its properties (PROP•uhr•teez). A property is a characteristic that you can observe. Color, shape, and size are some properties of matter.

• Matter Has Mass

One very important property of matter is mass. Mass is the amount of matter making up anobject. Mass is often measured in units called grams (g) or kilograms (kg). To measure mass, you use a tool called a balance (BAL•uhns).

• Matter Has Volume

Another property of matter is volume (VOL•yewm). Volume is how much space an object takes up. We measure volume by counting the number of cubes thatcan fit in an object. We can also measure volume with tools like graduated cylinders.

Useful Properties

Properties help people choose the right kinds of matter for differentjobs. When strength is needed, iron is a good choice. Wood is betterwhen you need a light material that can easily be shaped

 ~ What are the states of matter?

Matter is found in many forms. We call these forms states. Solid, liquid, and gas are the three common states of matter on Earth.

 1. Solids

A solid has a definite shape and takes up a definite amount of space. The particles of matter in a solid are packed together tightly. Often the particles are packed in a regular pattern. This textbook and your desk are solids. What other solids can you name?

2. Liquids

Orange juice is a liquid. Unlike a solid, a liquid does not have a definite shape. It takes the shape of its container. However, a liquid does take up a definite amount of space. Consider a glass of juice. The juice has the same volume whether it is in a glass or a graduated cylinder. If the juice spills, it will spread out. Its volume stays the same. In a liquid, the particles of matter can move more than they do in a solid. The particles can change place and slide past one another. They are farther apart than in a solid. Water, milk, and oil are all liquids. What other liquids can you name?

3. Gases

Helium (HEE•lee•uhm) is an example of a gas. A gas does not have a definite shape. In that way it is like a liquid.

Unlike a liquid, a gas does not take up a definite amount of space. It fills the shape and space of its container. The helium in a balloon takes the shape of the balloon. If the balloon bursts, the helium will spread out into the air. In a gas, the particles of matter move about freely. The particles move farther apart from one another to fill the space around them. If there is less space to fill, the particles are closer together. A gas always spreads out to fill its container. if you want to learn more about matter, you can click file on the bottom