Properties of Matter

Properties of Matter

Learners can:

• use a model to describe how the particles in matter form atoms, elements, and compounds

• use the periodic table of the elements to determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom of an element

• relate magnetism and conductivity to properties of matter

Vocabulary: chemical, chemistry, property

​We'll Talk about how things like this are possible in this unit!

​1 Pound of Sodium in the river is mind-blowing!

Imagine being a fish!

​What is all of this incredible food made of?

​Here is a picture of Theo and Mr. Rottet taking a casual afternoon stroll.

Look at the picture and consider what makes up the things in the picture!

​ATOMS

Label the parts of an Atom QuizPurposeGamesPurposeGamesPurposeGames

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​Look around at the objects that surround you. Your laptop, clothing, and furniture are all composed of matter. All matter is composed of atoms. Recall that an atom is the smallest complete unit of matter.

Atoms are composed of even smaller units:

• protons

• neutrons

• electrons

Protons and neutrons compose a solid central nucleus. Electrons orbit the nucleus in the electron cloud.

​Matter

Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. All of the objects that you interact with each day are composed of matter. The study of matter is called chemistry. A chemist is a scientist who studies chemistry. In this unit, you will be a chemist.

A chemical is a substance that always has the same atoms arranged in the same way. For example, glucose is a sugar that plants produce during photosynthesis. Glucose is a chemical that always contains:

• 6 carbon atoms;

• 12 hydrogen atoms; and

• 6 oxygen atoms.

The chemical structure of glucose is always the same.

Poll

Would you ever knowingly drink a chemical?

• Yes

• No

​Many people assume that a chemical is an artificial product made by humans. Statements on product packages such as “chemical free” send a message that a product that contains chemicals is dangerous or poor quality.

However, a chemical is any substance that is always made of the same atoms. The water you drink each day is a chemical. All of the food you eat is made of chemicals. Your body is composed of chemicals. Chemicals occur naturally all around you.

Match

Match the following

• Matter

• Atom

• Elements

• Compounds

Has mass and takes up space

Made of protons, neutrons, and electrons

Atoms of the same type

Two or more different atoms bond

• Has mass and takes up space

• Made of protons, neutrons, and electrons

• Atoms of the same type

• Two or more different atoms bond

​In this unit, you will learn about how atoms combine to form compounds.

​Periodic Table

Recall that the periodic table is a chart that organizes all of the known elements. The elements are arranged according to their characteristics.

The image to the right shows the periodic table that is included in your curriculum kit. Locate this periodic table. You will use the laminated periodic table throughout this unit.

​You can calculate the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons of an element using the information on the periodic table.

• The number of protons is equal to the atomic number.

• The number of electrons is usually equal to the atomic number.

• The number of neutrons is the atomic mass minus the atomic number, rounded to the nearest whole number.

Elements are arranged on the periodic table according to their characteristics. Elements in the same column have similar characteristics to each other.

​Properties

A property is a characteristic of a substance. Some common properties of matter include:

• mass

• temperature

• color

• electrical conductivity

• magnetism

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​How many protons does an atom of this element have? ______________________

How many electrons does an atom of this element have?___________________

How many neutrons does an atom of this element have?_____________________

​How many protons does an atom of this element have? ______________________

How many electrons does an atom of this element have?___________________

How many neutrons does an atom of this element have?_____________________

Match

Match the following Match each element to the number of protons an atom of that element contains.

• Boron

• Sodium

• Fluorine

• Hydrogen

5

11

9

1

• 5

• 11

• 9

• 1