| |
Comparing Solids, Liquids, and Gases |
The different forms of matter are solids, liquids, and gases. These states of matter take up space and have mass. A solid is matter that has definite size and shape. It stays in place. A crayon is a solid. A liquid is matter that has a definite volume. It does not have a definite shape. Milk is an example of a liquid. A gas is matter that has no definite shape or volume. A gas takes the shape of its container. A balloon is filled with gas.
The particles in a solid are packed closely together and form a pattern. The particles in a liquid are also close together but do not form a pattern. The articles have more energy and can slide past one another. The particles in a gas have more energy and more space to fill a large container.
A physical change is a change in matter but not a change in the kind of matter. An example is when paper is folded, its shape changes but still remains paper. Matter changes state. Ice is solid and can melt when it is heated. Water can evaporate by changing from a liquid to a gas. Water vapor can cool, lose energy and condense. It can freeze when water becomes cool.
A mixture is different kinds of matter mixed together, with each kind retaining its properties. A fruit salad is a mixture. A solution is formed when one or more kinds of matter are mixed evenly. Salt water is a solution. Sand and water do not form a solution.
|
| |
