Three States of Matter

Three States

of

Matter

by Mrs. Kerby

Before you begin reading this book, take a moment to think.  Ask yourself these two questions:

 "What do I already know about matter?" 

"What do I want to know about matter?"

What is matter? 

Matter is anything that takes up space.

All matter is made up of molecules. 

Matter is grouped into three main categories. 

If you would like to see more examples of solids, liquids, or gases, then click on the website links below.

Solids 

http://ww2.sjc.edu/shollenbeck/Web%20Quest%20Page%203%20(solids).htm

Liquids  

http://ww2.sjc.edu/shollenbeck/Web%20Quest%20Page%205%20(liquids).htm

Gases

http://ww2.sjc.edu/shollenbeck/Web%20Quest%20Page%208%20(gases).htm

Molecules are always in motion, which means moving at all times. 

They move and behave differently in solids, liquids, and gases.

Click on this link to see how molecules move.

http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/states_of_matter/

Molecules in a solid are packed tightly together and vibrate rapidly against each other.

Click below to watch the movement of molecules in a solid.

http://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/liquids/character.html

Molecules in liquids flow over and under one another. 

That is why liquids can be poured.

Click below to watch liquid molecules in movement.

http://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/liquids/character.html

Molecules in a gas move freely and have a lot more space to vibrate off of one another.

Click below to watch gas molecules in motion.

http://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/liquids/character.html

Solids have a definite shape and take up a definite amount of space.  Liquids take the shape of thier container and take up a definite amount of space.  Gases do not have a definite shape and do not take up a definte amount of space.

Look at examples by clicking below.

http://mutuslab.cs.uwindsor.ca/schurko/animations/phasescontainers/phasescontainer.html

States of matter will change phases if the molecules are heated or cooled.

If you add HEAT:

Solid turns into a liquid.  (melting)

Liquid turns into a gas. (evaporation)

If you add COLD:

Gas turns into a liquid. (condensation)

Liquid turns into a solid. (freezing)

Watch states of matter change phases by clicking below.

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/studyjams/matter_states/

What new information have you learned about the three states of matter?