Exploring What Makes Matter Unique

Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. It can exist as solids, liquids, or gases, each with unique properties.

Physical vs Chemical Properties

• Physical properties include color, density, melting point, and conductivity. These can be observed without changing the substance.
• Chemical properties describe how a substance reacts with other substances, such as flammability or acidity.

States of Matter

• Solids have a definite shape and volume.
• Liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container.
• Gases have neither a definite shape nor volume.

Changing States

Matter can change from one state to another through processes like melting, freezing, evaporation, and condensation, all of which involve energy changes.

Everyday Uses

Knowing the properties of matter helps engineers design better materials, chefs perfect recipes, and doctors develop medicines.