Matter: Classification and Properties

Nature and Characteristics of Matter: Matter is anything that occupies space and has mass. Sugar cubes, dice, pen, pencils, erasers, and many other objects are different forms of matter. Every matter is made up of tiny particles that are not visible to the naked eyes.

Matter is classified into two types i.e. physical and chemical. These particles exhibit some characteristics that influence the state and properties (physical and chemical) of a substance. The concept characteristics of matter are based on chapter 1 “Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry” in Class XI NCERT textbook. Candidates can go through the article to know the characteristics of different states of matter.

Characteristics of Different States of Matter

The following are the characteristics of different states of matter:

• Solids: Substances in which the particles are held close to each other with strong intermolecular forces are known as solids. Solids are strongly held at their positions and have only vibratory motion. E.g.: Chair, Table etc.
  • Characteristics of Solids: Solids have definite volume and definite shape.
• Liquids: Substances in which the intermolecular forces are weak enough to allow the movement of particles are known as liquids. The particles are held closely and have a higher degree ofdom than solids. Liquids have a definite volume but no definite shape; they generally take the shape of the container in which they are placed. E.g.: water.
  • Characteristics of Liquids: Liquids have definite volume but no definite shape.
• Gases: In gases, the particles are far apart as compared to those present in solid or liquid states. The movement in these particles is easy and fast.
  • Characteristics of Gases: Gases have neither definite volume nor definite shape. They completely occupy the container in which they are placed.

Characteristics of Particles of Matter

The following are the different characteristics of particles of matter:

Particles Have Space Between Them

There are small spaces between every particle in a matter. This characteristic is the concept of the solubility of a substance in other substances.

Let us understand this characteristic through an example: Take a glass of water. Put a teaspoon of salt and mix them properly. You will observe that the water is still clear. This is because the particles of salt have settled into the interparticle spaces between the water particles. This proves that there is space between particles of a substance. If you add more salt, it will dissolve until all the space between water particles gets completely filled.

Particles Are Constantly in Motion (or) Particles are Continuously Moving

Particles of the matter that show continuous random movements. The kinetic energy they possess helps the particles in this movement.  The spreading of ink in a glass beaker, the smell that comes from agarbattis, etc. are a few illustrations that show the movement of particles of a substance. When the particles of two different matter intermix , the phenomenon is called diffusion.

The diffusion of particles becomes fast when the temperature increases. A rise in temperature increases the kinetic energy of the particles, making them move more vigorously.

Particles Attract Each Other

In every substance, there is an inter-particle attraction acting between its particles. To break something we must overcome this force.  The strength of the force differs from one substance to another substance.

The inter-particle force of attraction and the kinetic energy of the particles primarily determine the physical state of a matter.

Let us understand this characteristic through an example: Take an iron rod, a stick of chalk, and a pen. Try to break each one of them. Which one of these is hard to break? The iron rod as it is stronger than the other two items. What makes an item stronger? The particles in them that are held by the characteristic of the inter-particle force of attraction.

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