Understanding the Different Types of Matter in Everyday Life
Introduction to Matter
Many of you have seen the change in the state of matter. For example, you must have seen the melting of ice cubes into the water. What is the change in phase here? The ice is converted into water that means it changes from a solid to a liquid state. Why does this happen?
Here, we notice the change in states of matter. The boiling of water helps it to turn into vapour form. This is also a change in states of matter. In this article, we will know about many terms and formulas that are associated with the states of matter and their properties.
Properties of Matter
A substance changes its form (change in the state of that matter) when it gains a massive amount of energy. Due to energy absorption, the atoms and molecules start to move rapidly. The random movement of atoms and molecules results in the deformation of the molecular structure of the matter.
Types of Matter
When you read this article, the first thing you notice is about the three states of matter. How do you know the states? Well, here is the solution.
When you notice a physical change in the matter, you can call it has changed its state. It transforms from one form to another. Change in the state of matter is reversible in many cases. However, chemical changes do not include reversible categories.
The figure given below will show you the changing states of matter:
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You must have heard of some common changes of state such as freezing, melting, deposition, sublimation, condensation, and vaporization. Well, these changes are the paths that lead to change in states of matter.
All of the changes satisfy one law, i.e., the Law of Conservation of Matter.
Change Between the State of Solids and Liquids
Have you made some ice cubes by keeping them in a tray? If you have done this earlier, you can learn easily. But don’t worry. Here we provide you with a complete package of knowledge.
When you put a tray full of water into a refrigerator, you will notice that they would have converted into ice after some time. This is called freezing. If you keep them on the same steel tray and supply heat, it will turn into the water once again.
Now let’s know why this behaviour is found among different matters, along with the examples of matter.
1. Freezing
When you keep the tray inside the freezer, the water comes into the interaction with the cold air inside the freezer. This helps the water to drop its temperature by keeping the molecules’ energy level to none. Water molecules do not have sufficient energy to collide with each other, and they turn into ice afterwards.
The point at which a temperature is responsible for turning the water into ice is called the freezing point.
2. Melting Point
When put out of the freezer, it would have hardened. Now, if you apply the heat to initiate the change in the state of the molecules, they will start melting. This is because they absorb the heat energy provided via the tray.
The force of attraction between water molecules will exist no more when the temperature reaches a certain point. The point at which the entire ice cubes convert into water is known as the melting point.
Changes Between the State of Liquids and Gases
1. Vaporization
This is the phase where extreme heat supply helps the water to turn into vapour form. The force of attraction between molecules will fail at this stage.
2. Condensation
When water vapour interacts with something, cooler surfaces, such as the plane of a mirror or any steel tray, some portion of the vapour will stay on its surface due to temperature difference. They stay in the form of water droplets. This is called condensation.
Changes Between the State of Gases and Solids
We know this phase as sublimation when the solid substances will pass directly to the vapour phase by skipping the liquid phase.
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FAQs on Matter in Physics: Definition, Types & Properties
1. What is matter as explained in Physics?
In physics, matter is defined as any substance that has mass and occupies space (i.e., has volume). Everything around us, from a tiny grain of sand to the largest star, is made of matter. The fundamental building blocks of matter are tiny particles, such as atoms and molecules.
2. What are the key characteristics of the particles of matter?
The particles of matter, as per the kinetic theory, have three primary characteristics:
- They are extremely small: Particles of matter are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
- They have spaces between them: These intermolecular spaces vary depending on the state of matter.
- They are in continuous motion: Particles possess kinetic energy and are always moving randomly.
- They attract each other: A force of attraction, known as the intermolecular force, exists between these particles.
3. What are the common states of matter and how do they differ?
The three most common states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. They differ based on the arrangement and energy of their particles. Solids have tightly packed particles with a definite shape and volume. Liquids have loosely packed particles that can flow, giving them a definite volume but no definite shape. Gases have particles that are far apart and move freely, resulting in no definite shape or volume. Other states like Plasma and Bose-Einstein Condensate exist under specific conditions.
4. If matter is made of particles, why does a wooden block feel solid and continuous?
This is a common and important conceptual question. Although a wooden block is made of countless tiny particles, it feels solid and continuous because these particles are extremely tightly packed. The intermolecular forces of attraction between the particles are very strong, holding them in fixed positions. This rigid, lattice-like structure prevents the particles from moving around, giving the block its definite shape and solid feel.
5. What is the main difference between evaporation and boiling?
The key difference lies in how and where they occur. Evaporation is a surface phenomenon that can happen at any temperature below the boiling point; only the particles on the surface with enough kinetic energy escape into a gaseous state. In contrast, boiling is a bulk phenomenon that occurs at a specific temperature (the boiling point), where particles throughout the liquid gain enough energy to turn into vapour, forming bubbles.
6. Why does applying perfume or acetone on your palm make it feel cool?
This cooling effect is a real-world example of latent heat of vaporisation. When you apply a volatile liquid like perfume or acetone to your palm, its particles quickly begin to evaporate. To change from a liquid to a gaseous state, these particles need energy, which they absorb from the surface of your palm. As your palm loses heat energy, you perceive a cooling sensation.
7. What is sublimation and can you provide a common example?
Sublimation is the process where a substance transitions directly from the solid state to the gaseous state without passing through the intermediate liquid phase. A common example is dry ice (solid carbon dioxide), which turns directly into carbon dioxide gas at room temperature. Other examples include camphor and naphthalene balls.
8. How is the plasma state of matter different from the gaseous state?
While both plasma and gas lack a definite shape or volume, the key difference is their electrical property. A gas consists of neutral atoms or molecules. Plasma, often called the fourth state of matter, is an ionised gas. It is a superheated state where atoms are stripped of their electrons, creating a mix of positively charged ions and free electrons. This makes plasma electrically conductive, unlike a neutral gas. Examples include lightning and the substance of stars.
9. What is Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC)?
Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) is considered the fifth state of matter. It is formed when a gas of bosons at very low densities is cooled to temperatures extremely close to absolute zero (-273.15°C). At this point, the individual atoms lose their separate identities and start behaving as a single quantum entity or a 'superatom', exhibiting unique quantum-mechanical properties.
10. What is the importance of Boyle's Law in explaining the properties of matter?
Boyle's Law is crucial for understanding the behaviour of gases. It states that for a fixed mass of gas at a constant temperature, the pressure is inversely proportional to the volume. This explains why compressing a gas into a smaller container increases its pressure—the gas particles collide more frequently with the container walls. This principle is fundamental in applications like scuba tanks, syringes, and the functioning of our respiratory system.
