Introduction to Matter, Atom and Molecule
Matter: Matter is anything that occupy space
and has mass. For
anything to occupy space, it must have volume. Based on this, we can say that
everything on earth that has weight and takes up some space can be called as
matters. Ultimately, everything on earth is matter.
Properties
of matter
Chemical Properties: These are properties that can only be observed by
changing the identity of the substance. A piece of paper burns and turns to
ash. The chemical properties have been changed.
Physical properties: The measurement of mass and other characteristics
that can be seen without changing how that object looks are its physical
properties. When we look at a book, we know that it is a book because of its
shape, size, color etc. Color, shape, size, volume, mass and density are some
physical properties of matter.
States of
matter
Solid: The hard substances that we see around us are solids. They are
hard because of their molecules are packed in very high density. Examples include
book, pen, apple, a piece of wood, plastic etc. They are all solids at room
temperature and can exist in different sizes, shapes and forms.
Liquid: The particles in liquids are not as closely bonded, arranged and
fixed in place as in solids. The particles in liquid can flow freely and can
mix with particles from other liquids. Liquids have their atoms close together,
so they are not very easy to compress.
Gas: Gas is everywhere, and it is around us. The air around us is a kind
of gas. The atmosphere surrounding the earth is a gas too. Helium, Oxygen,
Carbon dioxide and water vapor are all examples of gas.
Molecule: A molecule is the smallest particle
in a chemical element or compound that has the chemical properties of that
element or compound. Molecules are made up of atoms that are held together by
chemical bonds. These bonds form as a result of the sharing or exchange of
electrons among atoms.
Atom: The smallest particle of an element
that can take part in chemical reaction is called atom. Atoms are made up of
three particles known as Protons, electrons and neutrons. Protons and neutrons are heavier than
electrons and reside in the center of the atom, which is called the nucleus.
Nucleus:
The nucleus is the central part
of an atom that contains protons and neutrons. The nucleus is a positively
charged particle and is surrounded by negatively charged electrons that orbit
the nucleus in shells or energy levels.
Protons: A proton is a subatomic particle
found in the nucleus of an atom. It carries a positive electrical charge and
has a mass slightly less than that of a neutron. The number of protons in the
nucleus of an atom determines the element to which it belongs.
Electron:
An electron is a
subatomic particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom. It carries a negative
electrical charge and has a negligible mass compared to protons and neutrons.
Electrons determine the chemical behavior of atoms and molecules.
Neutron: A neutron is a subatomic particle
found in the nucleus of an atom. It has no electrical charge (neutral) and has
a mass slightly greater than that of a proton. The number of neutrons in the
nucleus of an atom can vary, resulting in isotopes of the same element with
different atomic masses.
0 Comments