Question

Explain the different properties of matter.

Answer 1

• Anything which occupies space and has mass is called matter.
• Example: Air, water, salt, sugar, etc.

Properties of matter:

• The matter has mass and occupies space. Anything in nature whether solid liquid or gas all have mass and occupies space. The air is invisible but still it has mass and occupies all available space.
• Particles of matter have space between them known as intermolecular spaces or interparticular spaces. As for example when we dissolve sugar in water the water level remains same this shows that the smaller particles of sugar get settled in the intermolecular spaces of water molecules.
• Particles of matter are always in random motion. The particles are in continuous motion due to its kinetic energy. The kinetic energy increase with increase in temperature or decrease with decrease in temperature i.e. kinetic energy is dependent on temperature.
• Therefore, when we boil the water the kinetic energy of molecules increases and molecules move rapidly.
• There is a attraction force between the particles of matter known as intermolecular force of attraction.
• More the intermolecular force of attraction less is the intermolecular spaces between them and particles are tightly packed while less is the intermolecular force of attraction more is the intermolecular spaces between them and particles are loosely held with each other.
• Thus, solids have strong intermolecular force of attraction as compared to liquid and gases thus solids have a definite shape and volume while in gases intermolecular force of attraction is weak so particles are far apart from each other and hence they do not have a definite shape and volume while liquid has the more intermolecular force of attraction than gas but less than solid so, they have a definite volume but no definite shape.