States of Matter Lecture Notes

Introduction to Matter

• Definition: Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.
• Composition: Matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms.
• Categories: Typically classified into solids, liquids, and gases.

Solids

• Characteristics:
  • Definite shape and volume.
  • Rigid and do not flow.
  • High density; atoms are closely packed.

Liquids

• Characteristics:
  • No definite shape but has a definite volume.
  • Fluid and can flow, taking the shape of their container.
  • High density, but usually less than solids (exception: water vs. ice).
  • Viscosity varies (e.g., water vs. syrup/honey).

Gases

• Characteristics:
  • No definite shape or volume.
  • Low density; atoms are far apart.
  • Compressible due to empty space between atoms.
  • Also fluid, similar to liquids.

Density and Compressibility

• Solids: High density, incompressible.
• Liquids: High density, slightly compressible.
• Gases: Low density, highly compressible.

Phase Changes

• Definition: Transition from one state of matter to another by adding or removing heat.
• Types:
  • Melting: Solid to liquid.
  • Vaporization: Liquid to gas.
  • Sublimation: Solid to gas (e.g., dry ice).
  • Freezing: Liquid to solid.
  • Condensation: Gas to liquid.
  • Deposition: Gas to solid.

Endothermic vs. Exothermic

• Endothermic: Absorb heat (melting, vaporization, sublimation).
• Exothermic: Release heat (freezing, condensation, deposition).

Plasma

• Definition: An ionized gas, a fourth state of matter.
• Formation: Created by adding heat/electricity to a gas.
• Characteristics:
  • Conducts electricity, unlike neutral gases.
  • Found in the Sun, neon signs, fire, and lightning.
  • Processes:
    • Ionization: Gas to plasma.
    • Recombination: Plasma to gas, emits light and heat.

Conclusion

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