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Matter

What matter is made of — molecules and how they behave in solids, liquids and gases — and how matter changes state by absorbing or rejecting heat.

What this chapter covers

  1. Composition of Matter

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    • MatterOccupies space and has mass.
    • MoleculesSmallest independent particle showing all properties.
  2. Characteristics of Molecules

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    • SizeVery small, invisible under ordinary microscope.
    • Inter-molecular SpaceGaps between molecules; largest in gases.
    • MotionConstant random motion with kinetic energy.
    • Inter-molecular ForceElectrostatic attraction between molecules, short-range.
    • Cohesion and AdhesionAttraction within same versus different substances.
  3. Molecular Model of Solids

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    • Inter-molecular SpacingVery close, packed tightly together.
    • Molecular MotionVibrate about fixed positions only.
    • Molecular ForcesVery strong; hold shape and volume.
    • Molecular ArrangementFixed positions, closely packed molecules.
  4. Molecular Model of Liquids

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    • Inter-molecular SpacingMore spacing than in solids.
    • Molecular MotionMove freely within the container.
    • Molecular ForcesWeaker; keep volume, not shape.
    • Molecular ArrangementLoosely packed, no fixed positions.
  5. Molecular Model of Gases

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    • Inter-molecular SpacingVery large; molecules far apart.
    • Molecular MotionMove freely in all directions.
    • Molecular ForcesNegligible inter-molecular force of attraction.
    • Molecular ArrangementRandom arrangement; no fixed shape, volume.
  6. Distinction Between Solids, Liquids and Gases

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    • Shape and VolumeSolid both fixed; gas neither fixed.
    • Molecular RigiditySolids rigid; liquids and gases non-rigid.
    • Molecular MotionVibrate, move within boundary, or everywhere.
    • Positional FixityOnly solid molecules stay in place.
    • Inter-molecular ForcesStrongest in solids, weakest in gases.
    • Molecular PackingClose in solids, far in gases.
    • FlowLiquids and gases flow; solids cannot.
  7. Change of State

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    • OverviewAbsorbing or rejecting heat changes state.
    • Solid-Liquid TransitionsMelting or fusion, and freezing.
    • Liquid-Gas TransitionsBoiling, and condensation back to liquid.
    • Solid-Gas TransitionsSublimation, and deposition back to solid.
  8. Melting

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    • MeltingSolid to liquid at melting point.
    • Molecular ExplanationLatent heat increases molecular separation.
  9. Freezing

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    • Freezing PointLiquid solidifies at its freezing point.
  10. Vaporization or Boiling

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    • VaporizationLiquid to gas at boiling point.
    • CondensationGas to liquid on cooling.
    • Molecular ExplanationLatent heat lets molecules break free.
  11. Evaporation

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    • EvaporationLiquid to gas at any temperature.
    • Rate of EvaporationFaster with temperature and surface area.
    • Evaporation and CoolingTakes heat from surroundings, cooling them.
    • ApplicationsEarthen pot cools water; fever cloth.
    • Molecular ExplanationEnergetic molecules escape from the surface.
  12. Sublimation and Deposition (or Solidification)

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    • Sublimation and DepositionSolid to gas directly, and back.
    • Molecular ExplanationWeak forces let molecules change directly.

Try a sample question

Which statement about molecules in a solid is correct?

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