Basics
This is anything that has mass and takes up space.
matter
According to particle theory, all matter is made of these.
particles
This state of matter has a definite shape and volume.
solid
The process where particles spread out when heated.
expansion
The change from solid to liquid.
melting
These two things determine whether something is matter.
mass and volume
Particles are always doing this.
moving
This state has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container.
liquid
The process where particles move closer together when cooled.
contraction
The change from liquid to gas.
evaporation
Light and heat are examples of this, not matter.
energy
Particles pull toward each other because of this force.
attraction
This state has no definite shape and no definite volume.
gas
Why do bridges have expansion joints?
To prevent cracking when the bridge expands in hot weather.
The change from gas to liquid.
condensation
A student says air is not matter because you can't see it. Explain why they are wrong.
Air has mass and takes up space, so it is matter.
When matter is heated, what happens to the particles?
They move faster and spread farther apart
In which state do particles vibrate in one place?
solid
A metal lid is easier to remove after running it under hot water. Why?
The metal expands when heated.
Why does ice float on water?
Ice is less dense than liquid water.
Name three examples of matter and explain what they have in common.
Answer: Any three valid examples; they all have mass and volume.
A balloon is left in a hot car and gets larger. Explain this using particle theory.
The particles gain energy, move faster, spread apart, and cause the balloon to expand.
Compare the movement of particles in solids, liquids, and gases.
Solids vibrate, liquids slide past each other, and gases move freely and quickly.
A city is building a sidewalk in Alberta. What design feature should be included and why?
Expansion gaps or rubber joints to allow for expansion and contraction during temperature changes.
Two blocks are the same size. One sinks and one floats. Use density to explain why.
The sinking block is denser than water, while the floating block is less dense than water.