Notes 11/26/07
Notes for 11/30/07
States of Matter
There are 3 states of matter. They are solid, liquid, gas.
The different states are caused by different energy levels.
Solid is the lowest energy level. It may be called frozen. The atoms are huddled up tight with each other and can barely move. Solids have a definite shape and volume.
Liquid is the next energy level. The atoms can slide past each other. Liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of its container.
Gas is the highest energy level. The atoms are very exited and are banging all about the container. Gasses have no definite shape or volume. Gasses will fill any container that they are inside of.
When matter changes from a solid to a liquid it is called melting. This change is caused by gaining energy.
When matter changes from liquid to gas it is evaporating. This change is caused by gaining energy.
When matter changes from gas to liquid it is called condensation. This change is caused by losing energy.
When matter changes from liquid to solid it is called freezing. This change is caused by losing energy.
Water (H20) freezes and melts at 0oC and 32oF. Water boils and condenses at 100oC and 212oF.
A change of state is called a physical change. Changes in which no new substances are formed are physical changes.
A mixture is a combination of 2 or more different kinds of matter, each keeps its own physical properties.
Harcourt Science, 2000, E10 - E22