MATTER (STATES OF MATTER)
Solids, liquids and gases
All around you are different things that make up your environment. Some things are solid like rocks and wood, some are liquid and some are gases. Although they are different they all have one thing in common. They matter.
Matter is anything that takes up space. Matter comes in three ordinary states; solid, liquid, and gas. Matter is made up of particles.
The smallest unit of a particle is called the atom. Atoms combine in different ways to create molecules. The structure of molecules determines the characteristics of matter.
STATES OF MATTER
Matter can change from one state to another. For example, water can be found in three states, solid, liquid, or gas. The state is in depends on the amount of energy acting upon it.
Water becomes a solid when heat energy is removed from it so it freezes and becomes ice. Ice can be changed into liquid by heating it to room temperature. If it is heated further to boiling point water changes into steam (its gas form)
All around you are different things that make up your environment. Some things are solid like rocks and wood, some are liquid and some are gases. Although they are different they all have one thing in common. They matter.
Matter is anything that takes up space. Matter comes in three ordinary states; solid, liquid, and gas. Matter is made up of particles.
The smallest unit of a particle is called the atom. Atoms combine is different ways to create molecules. The structure of molecules determines the characteristics of matter.
SOLIDS
Solids are matter that you can handle with your hand. Solids have a defined shape and will often create friction when you rub against it. The molecular structure of solids is compact, giving them stability and shape.
LIQUIDS
Liquids are a form of matter that is able to flow. Liquids have no defined or stable shape. They take on the shape and volume of the container it is poured into. The molecules of liquids are packed loosely enough to make them flow but tight enough to give them volume.
GASES
Gases have molecules that are energized and move around constantly. Gases expand outward until they come into contact with a solid surface.
STATES OF MATTER
Matter can change from one state to another. For example, water can be found in three states, solid, liquid, or gas. The state is in depends on the amount of energy acting upon it.
Water becomes a solid when heat energy is removed from it so it freezes and becomes ice. Ice can be changed into liquid by heating it to room temperature. If it is heated further to boiling point water changes into steam (its gas form).
