What is Matter?

📚 Key Concepts

🔹 Definition of Matter

Matter is anything that occupies space (has volume) and has mass.

Fundamental Properties of Matter:

  1. Mass – quantity of matter
  2. Volume – space occupied by matter

Universal Definition:

  • Everything around us is made of matter
  • From tiny atoms to massive stars
  • Includes solids, liquids, and gases
  • Even invisible air is matter

🔹 Examples of Matter

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Solid Matter:

  • Chair, table, book, stone, metal
  • Have definite shape and volume
  • Particles closely packed
  • Strong intermolecular forces

Liquid Matter:

  • Water, oil, milk, juice
  • Have definite volume but no definite shape
  • Take shape of container
  • Moderate intermolecular forces

Gaseous Matter:

  • Air, oxygen, carbon dioxide
  • No definite shape or volume
  • Fill entire container
  • Weak intermolecular forces

🔹 Materials as Forms of Matter

Key Understanding:

  • All materials are different forms of matter
  • Materials are matter used to make objects
  • Different arrangements of atoms/molecules create different materials
  • Properties depend on composition and structure

Examples:

  • Iron is matter used to make tools
  • Wood is matter from trees used for furniture
  • Plastic is matter created from petroleum
  • Glass is matter made from sand and other materials

🔹 Matter vs. Non-Matter

What IS Matter:

  • Air (has mass and volume)
  • Light bulb (solid matter)
  • Water vapor (gaseous matter)
  • Smoke (mixture of gases and particles)

What is NOT Matter:

  • Light (electromagnetic radiation)
  • Heat (form of energy)
  • Sound (pressure waves)
  • Thoughts and emotions

🔹 States of Matter

Three Main States:

1. Solid State:

  • Fixed shape and volume
  • Particles vibrate in fixed positions
  • Examples: Ice, wood, metal

2. Liquid State:

  • Fixed volume but shape changes
  • Particles move freely but stay together
  • Examples: Water, oil, mercury

3. Gaseous State:

  • No fixed shape or volume
  • Particles move freely in all directions
  • Examples: Air, water vapor, oxygen
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🔹 Conservation of Matter

Important Principle:

  • Matter cannot be created or destroyed
  • Can change from one form to another
  • Total amount remains constant
  • Basis for recycling and reuse

Examples:

  • Water freezing to ice (liquid to solid)
  • Ice melting to water (solid to liquid)
  • Water evaporating to vapor (liquid to gas)
  • Burning wood changes form but matter conserved

🔹 Matter in the Universe

Scale of Matter:

  • Microscopic: Atoms, molecules
  • Everyday: Objects around us
  • Macroscopic: Planets, stars, galaxies
  • Universal: All matter in cosmos

Composition:

  • Made of atoms and molecules
  • Different arrangements create different materials
  • Chemical bonds hold atoms together
  • Energy holds matter together