Quiz on States of Matter and Physical Properties

What happens to particles in a solid when thermal energy is added?

• They vibrate more rapidly while maintaining fixed positions

• They become completely stationary

• They move randomly in all directions

• They lose all their energy

Answer explanation

When thermal energy is added to a solid, its particles vibrate more rapidly while remaining in fixed positions. This increased vibration is due to the added energy, but the particles do not break free from their fixed arrangement.

Which state of matter has particles with the most freedom of movement?

• Solid

• Liquid

• Plasma

• Gas

Answer explanation

Gas has particles that are far apart and move freely, allowing them the most freedom of movement compared to solids, liquids, and plasmas, where particles are more constrained.

What is a physical property of matter?

• Reactivity

• Melting point

• Combustibility

• Chemical composition

Answer explanation

The melting point is a physical property of matter, indicating the temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid. In contrast, reactivity and combustibility are chemical properties, while chemical composition refers to the substances present.

In which state of matter do particles have a definite volume but no definite shape?

• Gas

• Liquid

• Plasma

• Solid

Answer explanation

In liquids, particles are close together, giving them a definite volume, but they can move freely, allowing liquids to take the shape of their container. This distinguishes them from solids, which have both definite shape and volume.

What indicates a chemical change has occurred?

• Change in color

• Melting

• Evaporation

• Change in shape

Answer explanation

A change in color indicates a chemical change has occurred, as it often signifies the formation of new substances. In contrast, melting, evaporation, and change in shape are physical changes.

During a chemical reaction, what is conserved?

• Temperature

• Volume

• Mass

• Color

Answer explanation

During a chemical reaction, mass is conserved according to the law of conservation of mass. This means that the total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products, regardless of the changes in temperature, volume, or color.

Which is an example of a physical change?

• Rusting of iron

• Freezing water

• Burning paper

• Milk souring

Answer explanation

Freezing water is a physical change because it involves a change in state from liquid to solid without altering the chemical composition. In contrast, rusting, burning, and souring involve chemical changes.

What happens to particles in a gas when thermal energy is removed?

• They move faster

• They move closer together

• They become charged

• They disappear

Answer explanation

When thermal energy is removed from gas particles, they lose kinetic energy, causing them to slow down and move closer together. This results in a decrease in volume and an increase in density.

Which property is a chemical property?

• Boiling point

• Density

• Reactivity with oxygen

• Melting point

Answer explanation

Reactivity with oxygen is a chemical property because it describes how a substance interacts with another substance, leading to a chemical change. In contrast, boiling point, density, and melting point are physical properties.

What best describes plasma?

• A liquid with no definite shape

• A gas with neutral particles

• A solid with fixed particles

• A highly ionized gas

Answer explanation

Plasma is best described as a highly ionized gas, consisting of charged particles, unlike a liquid, gas, or solid with neutral or fixed particles.