Matter

Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. It is the "stuff" that makes up everything in the universe. Matter can exist in different states - solid, liquid, or gas. These states depend on how its particles are arranged and how they move.

States of Matter

Solid: In a solid, particles are closely packed together and vibrate in place. Solids have a definite shape and volume.

Liquid: In a liquid, particles are still close together, but they can move around each other. Liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container.

Gas: In a gas, particles are far apart and move freely. Gases have neither a definite shape nor volume and expand to fill their container.

Properties of Matter

Matter has properties that can be observed and measured. These include:

Mass: The amount of matter in an object.
Volume: The amount of space matter takes up.
Density: How tightly packed the matter is within an object.
Solubility: How well a substance dissolves in another.
Conductivity: The ability to conduct heat or electricity.

Changes in Matter

Matter can undergo physical and chemical changes.

Physical Change: A change in the form or appearance of matter without creating a new substance. Example: melting ice.
Chemical Change: A change that produces new substances with different properties. Example: burning wood.

Study Guide

Here are some questions to help you study matter:

What is matter?
What are the three states of matter?
What are some properties of matter?
What is the difference between a physical and chemical change?

Remember to review the definitions and examples of each concept, and try to apply them to real-life situations to deepen your understanding of matter.