Question

What are the characteristics of matter? What are the classifications of matter?

Answer 1

Characteristics of the matter:

• The particles in the matter are continuously moving.
• The particles attract each other.
• The particles have space between them.

Classification of the matter:

The matter is classified into three categories:

• Solid
• Liquid
• Gas

1. Solid:

• In solids, the particles are tightly packed due to strong intermolecular attractions.
• Examples are wood, books etc.

2. Liquid:

• In liquids, the forces of attraction are weaker than that of solids, thus the particles can move around freely.
• Examples are water and alcohol.

3. Gas:

• In gases, there are negligible forces of attraction.
• Examples are oxygen and carbon dioxide.