Matter is anything that has mass and can occupy space. All matter consists of atoms, which, in turn, consist of protons, neutrons and electrons. Both protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus, which is at the center of an atom. Protons are positively charged particles, while neutrons are neutrally charged. Electrons are negatively charged, and they exist in orbitals surrounding the nucleus.
Depending on temperature and some other factors, matter can exist in several states. The three most common states are:
A single element or compound of matter might exist in more than one state, depending on the temperature and pressure conditions. One common example is water, which can exist in solid, liquid and gaseous forms and can be readily observed in each of these states.
| Solid | Liquid | Gas |
|---|---|---|
| It has a definite shape |
Takes shape of container | Takes shape of container |
| Has a definite volume |
Has a definite volume | Has an indefinite volume |
| Held by strong intermolecular forces | Held by moderate intermolecular forces | Held by weak inter- |
| Cannot be easily compressed | Cannot be easily compressed | Can be easily com- pressed |
| Particles are tightly packed, and regular | Particles are losely packed and random | Particles are far apart and random |
The properties of matter are attributes that differentiate one substance from another.
The physical property of matter involves attributes that can be observed or quantitied without changing the inherent composition of the matter. These properties include size, shape, texture, smell, color, density, malleability, solubility, conductivity, luster, physical state, melting point, boiling point, etc. Physical properties are divided into two sub branches:
These are properties that are constant. That is, they do not change regardless of the amount of matter. For instance, regardless of the amount of table salt, its color still remains white. Examples include: smell, color, solubility, melting point, electrical conductivity, temperature,etc.
These are properties that changes with regards to quantity or amount of matter. For instance 2kg bag of rice weighs less than a 10kg bag of rice. Examples are: Mass, area, volume, length, width, weight, etc.
These are properties that involves changes in the chemical composition of matter. This change is characterized by a change of one type of matter to another type of matter. Examples are reactivity, flammability,acidity, oxidation states, rusting,etc.
| Physical Properties | Chemical Properties |
|---|---|
| These are characteristics that can be observed or measured | These are characteristics that describe how a substance interacts with other substances |
| Examples are density, color, melting point, solubility,etc | Examples are reactivity, flammability, corrosion,etc |
| Changes are usually reversible and do not change the substance | Changes typically result in the formation of a new substance |
| Separation techniques are generally used for separation based on physical properties | Separation techniques are often used to identify or create new substances |