Unit 2: Matter

Unit 2: Matter

This unit describes the properties of matter. The physical and chemical properties of matter are discussed. Students will learn to recognize the three phases of matter.

Matter is the term used to describe anything that occupies space and has mass. It is the physical substance that makes up the universe. Matter exists in various forms, composed of tiny particles called atoms.

Critical characteristics of matter include:

Mass: Matter has mass, which measures the amount of substance in an object. Mass is often measured in kilograms or grams.
Volume: Matter occupies space, and it has volume. Volume measures the amount of space an object or substance occupies and is often measured in units like cubic meters or liters.
Particle Structure: Matter is composed of atoms, the basic building blocks of all matter. Atoms combine to form molecules, which can further combine to create more complex structures.
States of Matter: Matter can exist in different states, commonly called the states of matter. The primary states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. There is also a fourth state of matter known as plasma, which occurs at extremely high temperatures.
- Solid: In a solid, particles are closely packed together in a fixed and orderly arrangement. Solids have a definite shape and volume.
- Liquid: In a liquid, particles are still close together but can move past each other. Liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container.
- Gas: In a gas, particles are widely spaced and move freely. Gases do not have a definite shape or volume and will expand to fill the shape of their container.
- Plasma: Plasma is a state of matter at very high temperatures, where atoms lose their electrons, resulting in a mixture of positively charged ions and free electrons.
Energy and Changes in State: Changes in temperature and pressure can cause matter to undergo phase changes, transitioning from one state to another (e.g., melting, freezing, evaporating, condensing).

Understanding the properties and behavior of matter is fundamental to various scientific disciplines, including physics and chemistry. The study of matter helps scientists comprehend the nature of substances, their interactions, and the universe's physical laws.

Student Goals

Demonstrate, through scientific instruments, that matter occupies space and has mass.
Differentiate between physical and chemical properties.
Name the phases of matter and identify their characteristics.

Unit Focus

Know that changing from one phase of matter to another involves a gain or loss of energy.

Physical Properties Versus Chemical Properties

Physical and chemical properties are categories used to describe and characterize different aspects of matter. These properties help scientists and researchers understand the behavior and nature of substances. Let's explore each category:

Physical Properties:

Color: The visual appearance of a substance.
Odor: The characteristic smell of a substance.
Density: Mass per unit volume.
Melting Point: The temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid.
Boiling Point: The temperature at which a liquid turns into a gas.
Solubility: The ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent.
Conductivity: The ability of a material to conduct heat or electricity.
Hardness: The resistance of a material to deformation or scratching.
Malleability: The ability of a material to deform under pressure without breaking.
Ductility: The ability of a material to stretch without breaking.

Chemical Properties:

Flammability: The ability of a substance to catch fire and burn.
Reactivity: How readily a substance undergoes chemical changes with other substances.
Corrosiveness: The ability of a substance to deteriorate or destroy other materials.
Acidity/Basicity (pH): A substance's acidity or basicity level.
Toxicity: The degree to which a substance can cause harm to living organisms.
Oxidation State: The charge of an atom in a compound, indicating its ability to gain or lose electrons.
Chemical Stability: The ability of a substance to resist chemical changes over time.
Radioactivity: The emission of radiation by certain substances.

Differences:

Nature:
- Physical properties describe the characteristics and behavior of matter without changing its composition.
- Chemical properties describe how a substance interacts with other substances, indicating potential changes in composition.
Changes:
- Physical changes alter the state or form of a substance without changing its chemical composition.
- Chemical changes result in the formation of new substances with different chemical compositions.
  
  Understanding physical and chemical properties is crucial for various scientific disciplines, including chemistry, physics, and materials science. These properties help predict how substances will behave under different conditions and enable the development of new materials and technologies.

Vocabulary

Lesson Reading

Videos and Interactives (Click on Images to View Content)

States of Matter

Chemical vs Physical Properties

Is Gravity a Force

Interactives (Click on Image to Begin Interactive)

Phases of the Matter

Properties of Matter