General Chemistry 1: Introduction to Matter and its Properties

Instructor: Jennifer Sineal

Lesson Outline:

• Definition of Matter
• Properties of Matter
• Classification of Matter
• Changes in Matter
• States or Phases of Matter

Definition of Matter

• Matter: Anything that occupies space and has mass.
• Mass vs. Weight:
  • Mass: Amount of substance.
  • Weight: Downward pull of object towards the center of the earth.

Properties of Matter

• Physical Properties: Observable without changing the substance.
• Chemical Properties: Observed by changing the type of the substance.
• Extensive Properties: Depend on the amount of matter (e.g., height, weight, temperature).
• Intensive Properties: Depend on the type of matter, used to identify a substance (e.g., boiling point, melting point).

Classification of Matter

• Pure Substances:
  • Made of only one kind of matter with a definite composition.
  • Elements: Simplest form, cannot be decomposed (e.g., carbon, oxygen).
  • Compounds: Made of molecules with two or more kinds of atoms in definite proportions (e.g., water, caffeine).
• Mixtures:
  • Composed of two or more substances.
  • Homogeneous Mixtures: Uniform appearance.
  • Heterogeneous Mixtures: Distinct portions.

Types of Elements

• Discussed separately: Metals, Nonmetals, Metalloids.

Types of Compounds

• Organic Compounds: Contain carbon.
• Inorganic Compounds: Acids, bases, salts, oxides.
  • Acids: Yield hydrogen ions (e.g., vinegar).
  • Bases: Contain hydroxyl group (e.g., sodium hydroxide).
• Types of Bonds: Ionic, Covalent, Metallic (discussed separately).

Mixtures

• Classification by Appearance:
  • Homogeneous: Uniform appearance.
  • Heterogeneous: Different properties and composition.
• Classification by Particle Size:
  • Solutions: Solute and solvent.
  • Colloids: Dispersing phase and dispersion medium.
    • Examples include sol, gel, aerosol, emulsion, foam.
  • Suspensions: Larger particles (e.g., medicines that need shaking).

Separation Techniques

• Filtration: Separate solid from liquid.
• Distillation: Separate liquids in homogeneous mixtures.
• Magnetic Separation: Use of magnets.
• Decantation: Separate solid from liquid by gravity.
• Sublimation: Separate volatile from non-volatile solids.

Changes in Matter

• Physical Changes: No new product, reversible, no mass change.
• Chemical Changes: New product, irreversible, mass change.
• Examples of Physical Changes: Evaporation, condensation, melting, freezing, sublimation, deposition.
• Examples of Chemical Changes: Burning, rusting, digestion, photosynthesis.

States of Matter

• Solid, Liquid, Gas: Common states on Earth.
• Plasma: Fourth state, common in outer space.

Further Topics

• Measurements and application of mathematics in chemistry (discussed separately).

Conclusion

• This video serves as a recap of basic concepts necessary for General Chemistry 1.
• For questions, send a message or leave a comment.