Matter can exist in three states: solid, liquid, and gas. Solids have a definite shape and volume. Liquids have no definite shape but a definite volume, taking the shape of their container. Gases have no definite shape or volume, filling their container completely and being compressible. The document provides examples like butter, wax, and sponges to illustrate how different substances can exist in more than one state.

1. States of Matter 22 Feb 2009

2. What is Matter? Matter is anything that has mass and volume. What is mass? Mass is the amount of matter an object contains. What is volume? Volume is the amount of space that an object takes up.

3. What is not matter Sunlight Shadows Heat Fire Energy Noise Sounds Electricity

4. Matter can exist in 3 states : Solid Liquid Gas

5. Properties of Solid Definite shape – does not take the shape of the container Definite volume It will not change no matter what container it is placed in.

7. Properties of Liquid No definite shape –takes the shape of the container Glue, dew, tears, blood, oil, petrol, milk, honey mercury are all liquids. As long as they can flow, they are liquids. Definite volume It will change and take the shape of the container it is placed in.

9. Properties of Gas No definite shape –takes the shape of the container Carbon dioxide, oxygen, hydrogen, steam, water vapour ,nitrogen are all gases. Not all gases are invisible. No definite volume and can be compressed. It will take the volume of the container it is placed in. 100 cm ³ of gas added to 200 cm³ container will have a final volume of 200 cm³ of gas.

11. If the syringe is filled with oxygen, can the piston be pressed? Yes, it can because oxygen is a gas and gases can be compressed. If the syringe is filled with water, can the piston be pressed? No, it cannot because water is a liquid and liquids cannot be compressed.

12. Butter Butter can exist in 3 states : Solid - when it is refrigerated Liquid – when it is melted Gas – when it is heated.

13. Wax Wax can exist in 3 states Solid – cooled wax Liquid – hot dripping wax Gas – burning at the wick.

14. Sponge A sponge is a solid yet it changes its shape when it is pressed down. Why? It has a lot of air trapped inside it (the holes) and it is the air that is compressed, causing the sponge to look smaller and change shape.