Basic Concepts of Matter

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Matter

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Anything that has mass and takes up space. Example: The table is made of matter because it occupies space and has weight.

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Atoms

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The basic units of matter that make up everything around us. Example: An atom is so small that you cannot see it with your eyes.

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Molecules

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Groups of two or more atoms bonded together. Example: Water is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, forming a molecule.

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Properties of Molecules

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Characteristics that describe how molecules behave and interact. Example: The properties of molecules explain why oil and water do not mix.

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Solid

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A state of matter that has a definite shape and volume. Example: A rock is a solid because it keeps its shape and does not flow.

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Liquid

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A state of matter that has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container. Example: Water is a liquid because it can fill any glass or bottle it is poured into.

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Gas

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A state of matter that has no definite shape or volume and expands to fill its container. Example: Air is a gas that fills the balloon completely, taking its shape.

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Mixture

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A combination of two or more substances that retain their individual properties. Example: A salad is a mixture because you can still see and taste the different ingredients.

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Solvent

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A substance that dissolves a solute to form a solution. Example: Water is a common solvent used to dissolve sugar.

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Solubility

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The ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent. Example: The solubility of salt in water allows it to mix evenly.