Notes on Matter in Our Surroundings
Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.
Characteristics of Matter
1. Matter is made up of tiny particles.
2. Particles of matter have spaces between them.
3. Particles of matter are constantly moving.
4. Particles of matter attract each other.
States of Matter
Solid: Fixed shape and volume; particles are closely packed. Examples: stone, wood, ice.
Liquid: Fixed volume but no fixed shape; takes the shape of its container. Examples: water, milk,
oil.
Gas: No fixed shape or volume; particles move freely. Examples: air, oxygen, carbon dioxide.
Change of State
Melting: Solid → Liquid
Freezing: Liquid → Solid
Evaporation: Liquid → Gas
Condensation: Gas → Liquid
Sublimation: Solid → Gas directly (e.g., camphor)
Effect of Temperature
Heating increases particle movement, while cooling decreases it.
Diffusion
The mixing of particles of two substances on their own due to particle movement is called diffusion.
Examples
• Smell of perfume spreading in a room.
• Ice melting into water.
• Water boiling to form steam.
Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.
Characteristics of Matter
1. Matter is made up of tiny particles.
2. Particles of matter have spaces between them.
3. Particles of matter are constantly moving.
4. Particles of matter attract each other.
States of Matter
Solid: Fixed shape and volume; particles are closely packed. Examples: stone, wood, ice.
Liquid: Fixed volume but no fixed shape; takes the shape of its container. Examples: water, milk,
oil.
Gas: No fixed shape or volume; particles move freely. Examples: air, oxygen, carbon dioxide.
Change of State
Melting: Solid → Liquid
Freezing: Liquid → Solid
Evaporation: Liquid → Gas
Condensation: Gas → Liquid
Sublimation: Solid → Gas directly (e.g., camphor)
Effect of Temperature
Heating increases particle movement, while cooling decreases it.
Diffusion
The mixing of particles of two substances on their own due to particle movement is called diffusion.
Examples
• Smell of perfume spreading in a room.
• Ice melting into water.
• Water boiling to form steam.
