Matter, States, and Properties
States of matter
The three common states
Matter is often found as a solid, liquid, or gas. In a solid, particles stay close together and keep a fixed shape. In a liquid, particles stay close but can flow. In a gas, particles are far apart and spread to fill a container.
States of matter compared
| State | Shape | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Solid | Fixed | Fixed |
| Liquid | Takes container shape | Fixed |
| Gas | Takes container shape | Fills container |
Physical properties
Physical properties can be observed without changing a substance into something new. Examples include color, odor, density, melting point, boiling point, and solubility.
Physical vs chemical properties
A physical property can be observed directly. A chemical property describes how a substance behaves in a chemical change, such as whether it burns or reacts with acid.
Helpful memory trick
If the substance is still the same substance after observation, the property is usually physical.
Which is a physical property?
Density can be measured without changing the substance into a new one.
Correct answer: Density
Name one state of matter.
Any one of the three common states is correct.
Correct answer: solid, liquid, or gas
How temperature affects particles
-
1
Add heat energy.
-
2
Particles move faster.
-
3
Interparticle attractions are overcome more easily.
-
4
A solid may melt or a liquid may boil.
What happens to a gas when it is compressed?
Compression pushes gas particles closer together.
Correct answer: Its particles get closer together