Particles are the smallest pieces of a substance that still retain the properties of that substance. In solids, particles are tightly bonded and vibrate in place, while in liquids they are loosely bonded and can move past one another, and gases have particles that are not bonded and fly through space individually. Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space, and can be classified as elements, which are unique forms of matter that cannot be broken down further, or particles, which are the smallest pieces of an element or substance that still retain its identity.

2. What is a particle? The smallest piece of a substance that is still that substance.

3. Element vs. Particle An element is a substance. A particle is the smallest piece of a substance

6. Motion of particles Solid Bonded tightly, vibrate but don’t change position Liquid Loosely bonded, move over and around one another Gas Not bonded, fly through space as individuals

8. Matter Anything that has mass and takes up space

9. Substance Unique form of matter

10. Element Building block of matter that can’t be broken down

11. Particle Smallest piece of a substance that is still that substance

12. Chemical Reaction Change that occurs when substances mix and a new substance is formed

13. Compress Decrease in gas volume by applying force