Is It Matter?Is It Matter?

All matter has mass. Mass is the amount of matter making up an object. Mass is measured in units called kilograms (KIL·uh·gramz). Objects with small masses are measured in units called grams (g). There are 1,000 grams in 1 kilogram (kg).

An instrument called a balance (BAL·uhns) is used to measure mass. It looks a little like a seesaw. To use a pan balance, the object you want to measure is placed in one pan. Known masses are placed in the other pan until the balance is even. The mass of the object is equal to the sum of all the known masses.

Pan BalancePan Balance

Matter is found in different forms. A book, water, and helium filling a balloon are three examples of states, or forms, of matter.

A textbook is an example of a solid. A solid has a definite shape. The particles of matter making up a solid are packed tightly together.

How would you describe the water you drink? Water is an example of a liquid. In a liquid the particles of matter move more than they do in a solid. They can change position and move past one another. A liquid does not have a definite shape. It takes the shape of its container. However, it does take up a definite amount of space. For example, one cup of milk is one cup of milk. It doesn’t matter whether it is in a measuring cup or spilled on a table.

The helium in a balloon is an example of a gas. In a gas the particles of matter can move freely. They can move farther apart from one another than in a solid or liquid.

A gas does not have a definite shape. It does not take up a definite amount of space. The helium in a balloon takes the shape of the balloon. If the balloon pops, the particles of helium spread out into the air.

States of MatterStates of Matter

Definite Shape?

Size

Solid Yes Fixed size

LiquidTakes shape of container

Fixed size

GasTakes shape of container

No fixed size

Compare and ContrastCompare and Contrast

• How is each state of matter different from the other two?

• What is similar about solids, liquids, and gases?

• Create a Venn diagram showing the similarities and differences of the three states of matter.

Choose an object. How can Choose an object. How can you tell if it is matter?you tell if it is matter?

• Answer the question…– With a partner– In your Learning Notebook

massmass

• The amount of matter making up an object.

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solidsolid

• A state of matter that has a definite shape and takes up a definite amount of space.

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liquidliquid

• A state of matter that takes up a definite amount of space but has no definite shape.

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gasgas

• A state of matter that does not take up a definite amount of space and has no definite shape.

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