Simple Science Experiments: Matter and Materials

Simple Science Experiments: Matter and Materials — page 3
What is MATTER Matter makes up everything you can see from the water in your glass to the chair you are sitting on It also makes up some things you cannot see such as the air you breathe There are three states of matter which make up nearly every substance in the universe Diamond molecule The three states of matter Everything around us is either a solid liquid or gas made up of billions of units called atoms Atoms are some of the smallest objects that exist and are invisible Two or more atoms joined together make up a molecule Groups of molecules make up a substance Atom Changing state A substance can change from one state to another by gaining or losing energy in the form of heat If a liquid is cooled it turns into a solid This is called freezing If a gas is cooled it turns into a liquid This is called condensing Solid Atoms or molecules in a solid cannot move They are tightly packed together so they keep their shape and feel firm Liquid In a liquid atoms or molecules can move or flow but they stay the same distance apart The links between the molecules are weaker than in a solid A liquid can flow and fill the shape of its container Gas Atoms or molecules in a gas move quickly and in all directions The molecules bounce around because the forces between them are not strong enough to keep them together 6 If a solid is heated it turns into a liquid This is called melting If a liquid is heated it turns into a gas This is called evaporation