Describing and Classifying Matter

Front

Matter Noun

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[mat-er]

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Matter

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Anything that has mass and takes up space, which includes all physical substances in the known universe.

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Example: The image shows how matter exists as solid, liquid, and gas, with molecules packed differently in each state.

Front

Substance Noun

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[sub-stans]

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Substance

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A single kind of matter that is pure, meaning it has a specific, definite composition and distinct properties.

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Example: Gold bars represent a pure substance with a specific composition and distinct properties.

Front

Physical Property Noun

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[fiz-i-kuhl prop-er-tee]

Back

Physical Property

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A characteristic of a substance that can be observed or measured without changing the substance's chemical identity.

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Example: Physical properties like density and state can be observed without changing the substance.

Front

Solubility Noun

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[sol-yoo-bil-i-tee]

Back

Solubility

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The ability of a substance, the solute, to dissolve in another substance, the solvent, to form a solution.

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Example: Solute particles dissolve in a solvent to form a solution.

Front

Chemical Property Noun

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[kem-i-kuhl prop-er-tee]

Back

Chemical Property

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A characteristic of a substance that is observed during a reaction in which its chemical identity is changed.

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Example: Methane reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water, showing a chemical property.

Front

Flammability Noun

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[flam-uh-bil-i-tee]

Back

Flammability

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A chemical property describing how easily a substance will burn or ignite, causing fire or combustion.

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Example: Burning logs show how substances react with oxygen to produce heat and light, demonstrating flammability.

Front

Atom Noun

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[at-uhm]

Back

Atom

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The smallest and most basic unit of a chemical element that is the fundamental building block of matter.

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Example: The image shows an atom's structure, highlighting electrons, protons, and neutrons, which are the basic components of an atom.

Front

Element Noun

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[el-uh-muhnt]

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Element

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A pure substance consisting of only one type of atom, which cannot be broken down into simpler substances.

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Example: The image shows an oxygen atom with protons, neutrons, and electrons, explaining the concept of an element as a pure substance.

Front

Chemical Bond Noun

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[kem-i-kuhl bond]

Back

Chemical Bond

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A lasting force of attraction between atoms, ions, or molecules that enables the formation of chemical compounds.

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Example: The image shows how hydrogen and oxygen atoms share electrons to form a water molecule, illustrating a chemical bond.

Front

Molecule Noun

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[mol-i-kyool]

Back

Molecule

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A group of two or more atoms, of the same or different elements, held together by chemical bonds.

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Example: A water molecule is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom bonded together.