Minds On
All about matter
Explore the following videos. Each is an example of a state of matter.
Describe what you notice about each state.
Action
What’s the matter?
There are images of people with different states of matter, one person holds a rock, another is watching a kettle boil, and the last person is holding a beaker containing a liquid.
Everything around us is made of matter.
The planets, stars, and moons in the universe are all made of matter.
The air we breathe, water we drink, and food we eat are all made of matter.
All matter is made up of many small particles, and they are always in motion (moving). The amount that these particles move depends on:
- the amount of energy they have
- how close they are to other particles
In the Minds On, you explored water in three forms or states: solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (vapour).
Let’s learn more about these three states of matter. Press the following tabs to access what the states of matter are.
A solid is a state of matter with a fixed shape and volume (takes up space).
The particles in a solid are close together so they can vibrate, but not flow.
Solids are rigid and they cannot be squeezed or compressed easily.
Can you think of any examples of solids in your everyday life?
Possible examples: rock, stone, wood, bricks, pencils, ice, car, phone, etc.
A liquid is a state of matter with no fixed shape, but a fixed volume. This means that liquids take the shape of their container.
The liquid particles are loosely connected so they cannot be squeezed or compressed easily, but they can flow when poured.
Can you think of any examples of liquids in your everyday life?
Possible examples: water, milk, juice, paint, coffee, etc.
A gas is a state of matter with no fixed volume or shape. This means that gases take the shape of their container and can be squeezed or compressed easily.
The gas particles are separated by great distances, so they can flow when being poured.
What might be a few examples of gases?
Possible examples: Air we breathe, helium (for example, this gas is used to fill balloons), water vapour (for example, created when boiling water).
In order to figure out whether something is a solid, liquid, or gas you may use the following questions.
Does it flow? (A liquid and gas will flow, but a solid will not)
Does it fit the shape of its container? (A liquid and gas will take the shape of its container, but a solid will not)
Can you squeeze it? (A gas can be squeezed, but a solid and liquid cannot)
Review your learning!
Changing states
This graphic displays examples of physical and chemical changes. Physical changes include ice melting, shredding paper and chopping wood. Chemical changes include a rotting banana, mixing vinegar and baking soda, and burning wood.
There are often times when matter will change its state from one to another. This might happen through a physical change or a chemical change.
A physical change is when some properties of the matter change, such as its appearance, but the actual matter does not.
For example, a piece of paper being ripped in half is a physical change. The appearance of the paper has changed, but the actual substance has not, it’s still paper.
A chemical change occurs when the actual substance itself changes, and a new material with new properties or a new substance is formed.
For example, if someone were to burn a piece of paper, this is considered a chemical change, because a new substance, ashes, are formed.
Consider your own experience. Can you think of any examples of physical or chemical changes that changes the state of matter from one to another?
Real-world applications
We can find examples of solids, liquids, and gas in many real-world examples. There are also types of materials that are used because they change state.
Solids
Buildings and towers, such as the CN Tower, are made mostly out of cement.
Why do you think this might be?
Since cement is a solid, this means that its particles are closely packed together. They are very rigid as a result, which means the CN Tower can withstand powerful forces like strong winds and heavy rain. The particles remain tightly packed together, making cement an excellent building material.
What other examples of building materials are in a solid state of matter?
Press ‘Possible Answer’ to access examples of other building materials.
Some possible examples are bricks, wood, granite, clay, etc.
Liquids
There are types of liquids that change state as they dry.
For example, builders will use liquids to seal concrete buildings. After the liquid is put on the concrete it dries to create a thin film on top of the concrete that prevents weather elements, such as rain, snow, ice, sleet, frost, etc., from damaging the building.
Can you think of any other building materials that may contain liquids that change state as they dry?
Press ‘Possible Answer’ to access examples of other building materials.
Some possible examples are paints, sealants, and adhesives (types of glue).
Gas
Types of gas are used in different applications. For example, safety airbags that are created for cars and other vehicles are filled with nitrogen gas.
If there is an impact, a sensor sends an electric signal in the air bag. This electric signal starts a chemical reaction that fills the air bag with nitrogen gas.
The image of a car against a tree with the hood of the car up and smoke coming from the engine. There is an image of an air bag opening. The crash sensor is labelled, the inflator begins to fill the air bag with nitrogen gas and this causes it to open.
Why do you think a gas is the material used inside an airbag and not a solid or a liquid?
Consolidation
Show what you know
Complete one of the following tasks.
Task one
Research examples of matter that changes of states. You may consider what you have experienced in your own home, community, or in nature.
Select one example and describe:
- the state of matter
- the change in state
You may use a scientific research process to guide your research.
Check out this video to learn about the steps of the Scientific Research Process.
Task two
Time to share your learning! Using a method of your choice, record your information and your thoughts on the following. Share with a partner, if possible.
Reflection
As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel...
Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.