Matter and Its Properties

What is matter?

• Anything that occupies space and has mass

• Only solids that occupy space

• Only liquids that have mass

• Only gases that occupy space

Answer explanation

Matter is defined as anything that occupies space and has mass, which includes solids, liquids, and gases. The correct choice encompasses all states of matter, not just one.

Which of the following is considered a state of matter?

• Ice

• Steam

• Air

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Plasma is actually a state of matter, along with gas, liquid, and solid. Therefore, none of the options listed are NOT a state of matter. The question may have an error in the correct answer provided.

What is the shape of a solid?

• No shape

• Variable shape

• Definite shape

• Indefinite shape

Answer explanation

A solid has a definite shape because its particles are closely packed and fixed in place, giving it a consistent form. This distinguishes solids from liquids and gases, which have variable or indefinite shapes.

Which of the following can be found in three states?

• Gold

• Iron

• Oxygen

• Water

Answer explanation

Water can exist in three states: solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (steam). In contrast, gold, iron, and oxygen do not naturally occur in three distinct states under standard conditions.

What is the property of liquids regarding shape?

• Fixed shape

• Definite shape

• Rigid shape

• Indefinite shape

Answer explanation

Liquids do not have a fixed shape; they take the shape of their container. This characteristic is described as having an indefinite shape, distinguishing them from solids, which have a definite shape.

Which of the following is a characteristic of gases?

• Rigid structure

• Indefinite volume

• Fixed volume

• Definite shape

Answer explanation

Gases have an indefinite volume, meaning they expand to fill their container. Unlike solids and liquids, they do not have a fixed shape or volume, which distinguishes them from the other options provided.

What happens to the shape of a liquid when poured into a different container?

• It retains its shape

• It evaporates

• It changes shape

• It solidifies

Answer explanation

When a liquid is poured into a different container, it changes shape to fit the new container. Unlike solids, liquids do not have a fixed shape, allowing them to adapt to their surroundings.

Which of the following is a property of solids?

• They can flow

• They have a definite shape

• They have no fixed volume

• They are compressible

Answer explanation

Solids have a definite shape, meaning they maintain their form and do not flow like liquids or gases. This characteristic distinguishes them from other states of matter.

What is compressibility?

• Ability to flow

• Ability to diffuse

• Ability to change volume

• Ability to change shape

Answer explanation

Compressibility refers to the ability of a substance to change its volume under pressure. Thus, the correct answer is 'Ability to change volume', as it directly relates to how materials can be compressed.

Which of the following is an example of diffusion?

• Salt dissolving in water

• Water freezing

• Ice melting

• Perfume spreading in a room

Answer explanation

Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Perfume spreading in a room is a clear example, as the scent molecules disperse throughout the air.