States of Matter

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Matter Noun

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[mat-er]

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Matter

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The substance of which all physical objects are composed, characterized by having mass and occupying space.

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Example: Shows how particles are arranged in solids, liquids, and gases, explaining the states of matter.

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Atom Noun

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[at-uhm]

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Atom

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The basic unit of a chemical element, which is the smallest particle of matter that retains its chemical properties.

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Example: The image shows an atom with protons, neutrons, and electrons, explaining its basic structure.

Front

Molecule Noun

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[mol-i-kyool]

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Molecule

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A group of two or more atoms that are chemically bonded together, representing the smallest unit of a substance.

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Example: This image shows a water molecule made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom bonded together.

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Solid Noun

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[sol-id]

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Solid

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A state of matter characterized by a definite shape and a definite volume due to tightly packed particles.

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Example: The image shows tightly packed particles in a solid, demonstrating its definite shape and volume.

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Liquid Noun

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[lik-wid]

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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 because its particles can flow.

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Example: The image shows a liquid in a glass, with particles close together, explaining how liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container.

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Gas Noun

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[gas]

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Gas

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A state of matter with no definite shape or volume, whose particles move freely to fill any container.

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Example: This image shows different gases like air, helium, and ozone, illustrating that gases have no fixed shape or volume.

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Plasma Noun

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[plaz-muh]

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Plasma

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A high-energy state of matter, often called the fourth state, consisting of a gas of ions and free electrons.

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Example: A plasma globe shows ionized gas and free electrons, demonstrating the high-energy state of matter.

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Volume Noun

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[vol-yoom]

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Volume

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The amount of three-dimensional space that a substance or object occupies, often measured in liters or cubic meters.

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Example: The image shows how to read the volume of liquid in a graduated cylinder by aligning your eye with the meniscus.

Front

Thermal Energy Noun

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[thur-muhl en-er-jee]

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Thermal Energy

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The internal energy of a substance due to the kinetic energy of its atoms and molecules.

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Example: Molecules in a hot area move faster, transferring thermal energy to a cooler area.

Front

Pure Substance Noun

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[pyoor sub-stuhns]

Back

Pure Substance

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A form of matter that has a constant chemical composition and characteristic properties, consisting of one type of particle.

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Example: Gold bars represent a pure substance because they consist of only one type of particle.