State of Matter
Measuring Matter
Properties of Matter
Matter Challenge
Matter Challenge 3.0
100

This state of matter has a definite shape and volume.

What is a solid?

100

This tool is used to measure the mass of an object.

What is a balance?

100

This property describes how something feels, such as smooth or rough.

What is Texture?

100

Cup A is 45°F and Cup B is 95°F. Which cup has faster-moving particles?

Cup B

100

Three objects are the same size. Their masses are shown below:

  • Object A: 18 g
  • Object B: 43 g
  • Object C: 31 g

A student says Object A contains the most matter because all three objects are the same size. Which evidence proves the student is incorrect?

Object B has the greatest mass (43 g), so it contains the most matter. Size does not tell how much matter an object contains.

200

This state of matter takes the shape of its container but has a definite volume.

What is a liquid?

200

This tool is used to measure

What is volume?

200

The amount of space matter takes up.

What is volume?

200

What generally happens to particle movement when temperature decreases?

The particles move more slowly

200

A student pours a liquid from Container A into Container B. Before and after pouring, the liquid has a volume of 80 mL, but its shape looks different. What two properties of liquids are demonstrated?

A liquid has no definite shape but has a definite volume.

300

This state of matter has no definite shape or volume.

What is a gas?

300

This unit is commonly used to measure the mass of small objects.

What is a gram?

300

How hot or cold matter is.

What is Temperature?

300

A graduated cylinder starts at 30 mL. A rock is added and the water rises to 47 mL. What is the volume of the rock?

17 mL.

300

Student 1: “It is large, blue, and smooth.”
Student 2: “It has a mass of 65 g and a volume of 30 mL.”

Which student used measurable properties, and which student used observable properties? Use evidence to justify your answer.

Student 2 used measurable properties because mass and volume can be measured with tools. Student 1 used observable properties because size, color, and texture can be observed.

400

This state of matter can flow and takes the shape of its container, but does not have a fixed shape.

What is a liquid?

400

This tool is used to measure the volume of a liquid.

What is a graduated cylinder?

400

The amount of matter in an object.

What is Mass?

400

A student observes an unknown substance. It keeps the same volume but changes its shape when moved to another container. Which two pieces of evidence identify it as a liquid?

It has a definite volume and no definite shape.

400

 A student is given an unknown sample with these properties:

  • It takes the shape of its container.
  • It has a definite volume.
  • Its particles are close together but can move past one another.
  • When moved into a larger container, it does not spread out to fill all available space.

Another student claims the sample could be either a liquid or a gas because both take the shape of their containers.

The claim is incorrect; the sample is a liquid. It has a definite volume, and its particles remain close together. A gas does not have a definite volume and spreads out to fill its container.

500

This state of matter is made of particles that are packed closely together and vibrate in place.

What is a solid?

500

This tool is used to measure the temperature of a substance.

What is a thermometer?

500

A student describes an object as small, smooth, blue, and 8 grams. What term describes all of these characteristics?

What are physical properties?

500

Three samples have these properties:

A: keeps its shape and volume
B: changes shape but keeps its volume
C: changes shape and spreads out to fill its container  

A = Solid, B = Liquid, C = Gas.

500

Student 1: “It is large, blue, and smooth.”
Student 2: “It has a mass of 65 g and a volume of 30 mL.”

Which student used measurable properties, and which student used observable properties? Use evidence to justify your answer.

Answer: Student 2 used measurable properties because mass and volume can be measured with tools. 

Student 1 used observable properties because size, color, and texture can be observed.